Future Directions in Exercise and Sport Science Research.

Edited by Skinner JS, Corbin CB, Landers DM, et al. Champaign, IL 61820, Human Kinetics Books, 1989, cloth, 486 pp, illus, $35

In 1986, 43 leading scientists representing the disciplines of biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor development and learning, and sport psychology came together at the Exercise and Sport Research Institute at Arizona State University. This volume is the product of their discussion of past, present, and future research in exercise and sport science.

Part 1, entitled Future Directions for Diverse Populations, has three sections. included are chapters on biomechanics, exercise, and sport psychology for persons of average, below-average, and above-average health and fitness. Part 2 covers future directions for the disciplines represented. Specific topics in biomechanics discussed include neuromuscular performance, connective tissue adaptations, elite distance runners, load effects in the reduction and treatment of injuries, human movement, and the use of microcomputers. The physiology of exercise in children, elderly individuals, and women heads the exercise physiology section. Skeletal muscle adaptation, temperature regulation, pulmonary physiology, and the neurohormonal system also are discussed. Motor development theory, developmental sequence and task analysis, and acquisition of skill are some of the topics included in Sections 3 and 4. Sport psychology research is discussed in terms of how applied psychology or models from behavioral clinical psychology could be used in sport science.

It is apparent that the goals and objectives of the symposium were accomplished, as reflected by this high-quality volume. The need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of exercise and sport science is conveyed throughout the text. This book is well organized and well written, the information is accurate and current, and there is little redundancy in the content. Although some authors keep their discussions general, others present a more detailed review of the relevant literature. A commentary chapter routinely succeeds each chapter that holds a common theme, providing a nice synopsis of the preceding discussion. Chapters are well referenced, and illustrations, figures, and tables are used appropriately to complement the text.

I recommend this book for the physical therapy practitioner who is interested in pursuing graduate education in exercise and sport science. For those already involved in one of the subdisciplines of this field, no startlingly new information is provided. Insightful clinicians may be able to use some of the information from this volume to enhance the rehabilitation outcomes of their patients.