Good Moves for Every Body.

This is one exercise videotape that follows the movement principles most therapists aspire to. In the introduction, the narrator, Marian Minor clearly defines the purpose of this videotape, which is addressed to well elderly individuals and those living with arthritis. The exercisers on this videotape are predominantly women, but all issues are directed to men and women. This videotape was produced through a grant received from the US Department of Education, the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. It was further supported by the Health Connection.

Information is shared with the viewer through narrative at the beginning, including safety and difficulty levels. The instructor, Charlotte Weingartner, discusses each exercise and ways to vary exercises for difficulty. Exercises at the different levels are demonstrated. The rationale for the exercises is clearly expressed by Minor, a physical therapist, and Weingartner, an exercise physiologist.

Though the population is clearly defined, the scope of this videotape includes all who want or need to begin an exercise program. An entire workout program is presented in 57 minutes. The warm-up section is complete in the approach to the entire body. The aerobic section is divided into segments of increasing difficulty. The 4-minute routines could be combined to make a 20-minute workout. Between each section, the viewer is encouraged to use the perceived exertion scale that is shown and discussed. The cool-down section is performed both seated and on exercise mats on the floor.

Overall, the quality of this presentation is good. An improvement in the sound quality would benefit those with slight hearing loss. The camera angles are beneficial during the aerobic section but need more variety during the warm-up and cool-down sections. It would have been helpful for viewers to also see the movements from front and side angles. The exercisers are easily seen and their performances easily believed. The viewer is guided through the videotape with titles and gentle humor, and the music is pleasing.

This videotape would make an excellent addition to the personal and professional library of the physical therapist. It would be useful for group exercise programs of well elderly or high-level functioning elderly persons. It would also be of use in guiding aerobic programs of many facilities.

Caren Betz, PT, GCS Heritage Rehab Center Bartlesville, Okla

Ms Betz is rehabilitation services manager at Heritage Rehab Center and specializes in geriatric physical therapy. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Bartlesville Wesleyan College.