Dear Dave:

While your anecdote regarding Professor Dujardin is interesting, his opinion is not research and does not address my question regarding the relationship between calf stretching and brain function.

I've read about the Upledger Institute and Craniosacral therapy and learned the following: "Craniosacral therapy is quackery. Many chiropractors follow the bizarre teachings of a licensed osteopathic physician from Florida named Dr. John Upledger. His Upledger Institute promotes techniques that have never been confirmed by medical science. Unfortunately, the press just doesn't understand that this technique is quackery, and every so often these promoters, both licensed healthcare professionals, and unlicensed quacks are featured in major publications."

Referring to individuals and practices which are considered quackery by the scientific community does not help Brain Gym's cause. Instead, your reference to these people puts Brain Gym in the same shady category.

Furthermore, the Khalsa and Sifft research you refer to in the Perceptual Motor Journal have nothing to do with the effect of calf stretches on brain function. Both are old studies and poorly designed.

I remain disappointed regarding the lack of controlled research regarding the basic premises upon which Brain Gym rests. In my opinion, if the Dennisons really wanted to do research, they could easily sponsor Ph.D. candidates at any number of universities and perform the right kinds of studies. Their lack of willingness to do so makes me wonder if they might be concerned about the results.

Sincerely,

Alan Balter