Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy: A Clinical Manual.

Watchie J. Philadelphia, PA 1 91 06, WB Saunders Co, 1 995, paperback, 320 pp, illus, $63.

This text is the result of an attempt to assemble a practical handbook for the cardiopulmonary physical therapy clinician. Therefore, it has a slightly different format than most textbooks. The book focuses on many areas of cardiopulmonary disease and treatment, both medical and surgical.

Topics addressed include cardiac and pulmonary anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physical therapy assessment and treatment. The book also includes a section on pediatrics and laboratory medicine. The text is presented in outline and bullet format, with brief introductions to each chapter. The references provided give a sampling of current research in each area.

There is minimal illustration to the text, which, along with the outline format, makes reading any section in its entirety difficult. The format lends itself to providing a quick review on any given topic or cardiopulmonary disease. In this capability, it is unique among most cardiopulmonary resources for physical therapy.

The text is useful for clinicians who already have a working knowledge of cardiopulmonary physical therapy, but it would be too brief in scope for students or clinicians who have little background in this area.

Anne K Swisher, PT West Virginia University Morgantown, WVa

Ms Swisher is Assistant Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy at West Virginia University and teaches in the area of cardiopulmonary physical therapy.