Kinesiology is the study of human movement, and two different disciplines use that title. Mainstream kinesiologists are scientists studying movement, who are influential in the practice of physical therapies and sports coaching. There is also an alternative approach, found mainly in an educational context, called Applied Kinesiology. This involves muscle testing to try to find out more about laterality (for example, which side of the brain is dominant). Brain Gym, or Educational Kinesiology, draws on Applied Kinesiology but has evolved on its own and does not necessarily include the muscle testing or the theory behind that. It is a collection of gentle exercises aiming to enhance learning and development through the brain's interaction with structured movements. The exercises are incorporated into the routine of the school day in some schools, and they can also be done at home. Many of the movements are cross-lateral, designed to practise aspects of balance and coordination between both sides of the body, particularly for children who have difficulty getting this together. In both types of kinesiology, it is believed that it is beneficial to alternate periods of intellectual learning with periods of physical activity (of any kind).
Applied and Educational kinesiology
Kinesiology Federation: PO Box 17153, Edinburgh, EH11 3WQ, tel: 08700 113545 (mon-thur 9-12, answer machine out of these hours) www.kinesiologyfederation.org List of alternative practitioners, and a fuller explanation of the theory behind muscle testing, relating it to acupuncture.
An NHS review of the evidence base for using Brain Gym exercises with dyspraxia, and with learning disabilities, is at: http://tinyurl.com/29shub.
Sifft JM and Khalsa GC: 'Effect of educational kinesiology upon simple response times and choice times'. Perceptual motor skills, 1991, Vol.73, No.3 pt 1, pp1011-5
Hannaford C: 'Smart moves: why learning is not all in your head'. Great ocean publishers, ISBN-0-915556-27-8. (This book can be borrowed from Cerebra’s library)
Dennison P and Dennison G: 'Brain gym: simple activities for whole brain learning'. Edu-kinesthetics Inc, ISBN-0-942143-05-1. (This book can be borrowed from Cerebra’s library)
Mainstream kinesiology (not directly available but used to inform the practice of physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc.)
Moreau N et al. Progression of knee joint kinematics in children with cerebral palsy with and without rectus femoris transfers: a long-term follow up. Gait and Posture 2005 Oct;22(2):132-7.
Smits-Engelsman BC et al. Muscle force generation and force control of finger movements in children with spastic hemiplegia during isometric tasks.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 2005 May;47(5):337-42.
Chad KE et al. The effect of a weight-bearing physical activity program on bone mineral content and estimated volumetric density in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Journal of Pediatrics 1999 Jul;135(1):115-7.
