[Evaluation of applied kinesiology in nutritional intolerance of childhood].

BACKGROUND

Because nutritional intolerances generally are difficult to be diagnosed, Applied Kinesiology (AK) often is discussed as an alternative in this field.

OBJECTIVE

The uncertain scientific situation makes it necessary to assess the diagnostic value of AK. The method was compared with established laboratory tests such as RAST, lactose breath hydrogen test and a specific IgG test (Cytolisa).

METHODS

315 children and adolescents, 0-17 years old, with different chronic diseases such as headache, abdominal pain, chronic eczema, hyperactivity, and bronchial asthma were studied by means of AK for 2 years.

RESULTS

We found a moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass-kappa 0.62) but no inter-tester reliability (intraclass-kappa -0.01). Moreover, there was no statistically significant agreement with either RAST and Cytolisa (sensitivity 73.6%, specificity 45.2%) or lactose breath hydrogen test (sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 43.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In general, AK cannot be recommended for diagnosing nutritional intolerance. However, due to its high sensitivity, it could be a valuable tool to give some preliminary results.