Medicine and Sport Science, vol 36, Movement Disorders in Children.

The underlying theme of this book is that there is a need to build a stronger scientific base for therapeutic exercise that is used with children who have motor dysfunction. Accordingly, the editors have gathered the expertise of contributing authors to address the contemporary theories, science, and practice of therapeutic exercise. It is stated in the preface that the book covers topics ranging from current, basic neuroscience research to the various ways that movement disorders can influence function. The editors do not indicate who the intended audience is, but the contents are obviously relevant to persons who are interested in the science of movement disorders in children. This could include physical therapists, occupational therapists, neuroscientists, exercise scientists, kinesiologists, and physicians. The book includes works from people in most of these disciplines.

The contributing authors participated in the international Sven Jerring Symposium that was held in Stockholm, Sweden, August 25 to 29, 1991. Two chapters of the book are written by the editors, and the 31 remaining chapters are written by 41 contributors. The works and experiences of authors from the United States, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands are represented. The United States contributors include Bundy, Fisher, Campbell, Gordon, Ghez, Giuliani, Haley, Horak, Leonard, Shumway-Cook, and Thelan. A missing contribution may be the work of Myklebust; however, her research is cited in the chapters by Giuliani and Leonard.

The book is divided into five sections. Section 1, "Therapeutic Concepts," introduces past and current treatment strategies and motor control models that are associated with treatment procedures. Although much of this information can be found in other publications, its inclusion here is valuable as a foundation to other sections of the book. Section 2, "CNS Development After Early Brain Damage (Diagnosis and Treatment)," includes information on the morphology of brain lesions from contemporary, basic science research and radiographic studies. The use of ultrasound to study fetal movement patterns that are associated with identifying the timing of motor disability is not addressed. Section 3, "Manual Actions: Motor Mechanisms and Perceptual Processes," deals with research covering the neural control mechanisms of reach, grasp, and manipulation. Section 4, "Control of Locomotion, Posture, and Spasticity," addresses the development of locomotion based on two models, dynamical systems and neural control. This section also covers research on the deviances that are seen in the gait of children with cerebral palsy, and the effects of treadmill training for spastic gait disturbances. Section 5, "Measurement of Motor Performance," concludes the book with practical issues in clinical evaluation. The last four sections are followed by conversations among the symposium participants. These are excellent, well-written forums for debate and the expression of the participants' opinions.

The chapters within each section are complementary and well-referenced. Graphs, data plots, and conceptual models are used by many of the authors. The editors have coordinated all of the material well. They even offer a footnoted statement opposing one author's failure to explain the terminology used, yet explaining the value of its inclusion.

This book would be an excellent resource for physical therapists or graduate students who are interested in research that is related to the development of upper-extremity control, postural control, or locomotion. Although related work can be found in journal publications, the reader will find this presentation of the material conveniently synthesized and well-coordinated into one text.