AK Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AK facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which document specifically outlines a patient's wishes for care if they become unable to communicate? → Advance directive
2. The 'cloacal reflex' in AK is associated with which type of structural pattern? → Category II pelvic distortion pattern
3. An AK practitioner is asked to provide an expert opinion in a malpractice case. Which ethical obligation applies most directly? → Providing an honest, objective, evidence-based opinion
4. A patient asks an AK practitioner to amend their health record under HIPAA. The practitioner may deny the request if: → The record was not created by the practitioner
5. In AK patient assessment, the 'Riddler's reflex' (anterior and posterior reflex points) for the large intestine are located at: → Anterior: right 5th–6th intercostal space; posterior: T11–T12 area
6. Which ethical principle obligates an AK practitioner to act in the patient's best interest rather than their own? → Beneficence
7. What should a practitioner do when regulations conflict with employer policies? → Follow the regulation, as legal requirements supersede employer policies
8. An AK patient shows bilateral tensor fascia latae (TFL) weakness. Which organ-muscle relationship should be investigated first? → Large intestine
9. Dual relationships in clinical practice refer to situations where the practitioner: → Has both a professional and a personal or business relationship with the same patient
10. In AK, the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle is frequently associated with dysfunction in which organ? → Bladder
11. When a muscle tests strong under normal circumstances but weak when the patient breathes in (inhales), the AK practitioner would suspect: → A respiratory-related cranial fault or diaphragm dysfunction
12. In electronic health records (EHR) used for AK, audit trails are important because they: → Track who accessed or modified records, supporting security and accountability
13. A patient in financial hardship requests reduced fees. The most ethical response is to: → Consider a sliding scale or payment plan while maintaining the therapeutic relationship
14. Which cranial nerve is most commonly assessed in AK for its role in regulating visceral organ function through the autonomic nervous system? → Vagus nerve (CN X)
15. What is the main purpose of using cranial techniques in applied kinesiology? → Promote balance in the craniosacral mechanism.
16. In AK, the concept of 'ocular lock' describes: → How eye position can facilitate or inhibit specific muscle groups during testing
17. In AK functional evaluation, the term 'bilateral challenge' is used to: → Apply opposing forces to both sides of a joint to identify fixations
18. Which type of lever is present at the ankle joint during plantar flexion (gastrocnemius lifting the heel)? → Second-class lever
19. The AK muscle-organ-gland relationship for the quadriceps muscle group is associated with: → Small intestine
20. Which nutritional factor is most commonly tested in AK when the anterior deltoid muscle tests bilaterally weak? → Lung-associated nutrients such as vitamin C and bioflavonoids
21. Applying pressure to the spindle cell mechanism (muscle belly) in the direction of muscle shortening during AK treatment will: → Facilitate the muscle by simulating a shortening signal to the spindle cells
22. Which disinfection level is required for AK instruments that contact only intact skin? → Low-level disinfection
23. How soon after a service or session should documentation be completed? → As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours
24. A digital scale used to track patient weight trends in an AK practice should be placed on: → A level, hard floor surface for accurate readings
25. The 'origin-insertion technique' in AK involves applying pressure at muscle attachments to: → Facilitate an inhibited muscle by stimulating Golgi tendon organs
26. The rotator cuff muscle that contributes most to humeral head depression and is frequently inhibited in shoulder impingement is: → Supraspinatus
27. The Bennett's neurovascular reflex points used in AK are stimulated by: → Light sustained skin contact with minimal pressure
28. A practitioner accidentally splashes a client's blood into their eyes. What is the immediate first step? → Flush the eyes with water or saline for at least 15 minutes
29. During normal quiet breathing, the primary muscle of inspiration is the: → Diaphragm
30. A TENS unit electrode pad used in AK therapy shows reduced adhesion. The correct response is: → Replace the electrode pad immediately