Clinical Kinesiology for Physical Therapist Assistants, ed 3.

Clinical Kinesiology for Physical Therapist Assistants, ed 3 Lippert LS. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 2000, paperback, 492 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8036-0453-X, $36.95.

The third edition of Clinical Kinesiology for Physical Therapist Assistants is a nice improvement on what was already a very useful textbook.

This edition retains the main features and the simple direct style of the previous editions, continuing the author's emphasis on the basic knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology. Each of the major muscles of the trunk and extremities is listed with its origin, insertion, actions, and innervation. Basic neuroanatomy, joint structure and function, and biomechanics are explained. The book is understandable and concise, and it does a good job of highlighting the most important points.

The third edition adds new chapters on biomechanics, the temporomandibular joint, the pelvic girdle, posture, and biomechanics. The chapter on gait has been expanded to include the basic concepts of abnormal gait, and the chapter on the muscular system now contains the concept of kinetic chains.

The book has extensive, well-chosen illustrations. Tables are used effectively to summarize material presented in the text. Review questions at the end of each chapter, with answers included, help to reinforce the main points.

The second edition of Clinical Kinesiology for Physical Therapist Assistants was good; this edition is better. I recommend it for use as a textbook for physical therapist assistant students studying kinesiology.

Catherine Walls, PT, OCS Mount Auburn Physical Therapy Associates Watertown, Mass

Ms Walls is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic disorders. She is also an instructor at the Lasell College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, where she teaches kinesiology and orthopedics.