Exercise for Prevention and Treatment of Illness.

Goldberg L, Elliot DL, eds. Philadelphia, PA 19103-1493, FA Davis Co, 1994, paperback, 344 pp, illus, $75.

This book is an excellent clinical guide for the prescription of exercise as a modality for the prevention and treatment of a number of common illnesses and conditions. The book is divided into seven major sections. These sections are epidemiologic and physiologic considerations, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic disorders, physiologic considerations, chronic medical illnesses, and neuropsychological disorders. Within each section is one or more chapters that further detail the appropriate use of exercise in the treatment of a number of illnesses and conditions. Each of the 16 chapters addresses specific illnesses or conditions except chapter 1, which is entitled "Exercise in Healthy Individuals." This first chapter discusses the research techniques used to assess the effectiveness of exercise in the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. A number of classic epidemiologic studies are referenced, with their results summarized in tabular form in this chapter.

Cardiovascular topics include hypertension, obesity, resistive exercise and blood pressure, and the physiologic effects of a number of cardiovascular and antihypertensive drugs.

Of particular interest to the physical therapist are chapters on exercise and rheumatic disease, exercise and neuromuscular disease, rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries, and exercise for the treatment and prevention of low back pain.

There are also chapters on the management of diabetes mellitus and the influence of exercise on osteoporosis and pulmonary disease. The chapters on exercise for individuals with end-stage renal disease and cancer are particularly useful. The physical therapist is often faced with developing appropriate exercise regimens for patients with these conditions. Often these conditions are not the focus of physical therapy, but influence everything done for a patient. This book gives the reader ideas and guidelines for developing appropriate and effective exercise programs for these and many other types of patients.

A special chapter is devoted to pregnancy and exercise. Appropriately, pregnancy is treated as a normal physiologic condition. Benefits of exercise, along with descriptions of normal and abnormal material and fetal responses to exercise are explained in this chapter.

Every chapter includes case studies and comments to help the reader in problem solving with regard to exercise for patients with the described condition.

The information in this book is current and based on sound physiologic principles. Much of the material is based on the principles and guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine.

What makes this book unique is the attention given to the use of exercise for conditions not usually associated with exercise. Unlike many exercise physiology texts, this book does not describe exercise programs and physiologic functions for elite athletes. it could really be classified as a patho-exercise physiology book. There are a number of books that deal with exercise and cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. There are fewer books that deal with exercise for metabolic and chronic illnesses, and even fewer books that deal with all these. This book does that nicely.

A great deal of information is contained in this text, even though it is relatively short and easy to read. Although research studies and theory are discussed throughout the book, the material presented is very practical and useful and when appropriate, the concepts being described are illustrated with graphs, tables, or photographs.

Exercise for Prevention and Treatment Of Illness would be an excellent addition to the library of any physical therapist or health care professional who deals with people and movement.

Mr Sanko is an assistant professor in the physical therapy program at the University of Scranton and is currently pursuing a doctorate in applied physiology.