Perspectives in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, vol. 8, Exercise in Older Adults.

Lamb DR, Gisolfi CV, Nadel E, eds. Carmel, IN 46032, Cooper Publishing Group, 1995, hardback, 472 pp, $50.50.

This book is the eighth volume in an exercise science series. The 10 chapters of the text encompass many aspects of exercise in the older adult. Forty-two authors, primarily from the area of exercise physiology, collaborate to make this a comprehensive text. The purpose of the book is threefold: First, to provide insight into the mechanisms associated with decrements in function with aging; second, to present material on the mechanisms involved in improvement of function that may result from increased activity; third, to introduce issues related to exercise and aging that require further study.

The book is organized so that each of the 10 chapters covers a specific topic related to aging and exercise. The first chapter serves as an introduction to the text, with data on demographics of aging, societal costs of chronic disease, and methodological issues in research. The second chapter reviews research on how exercise training influences longevity, health, and functional status in the older adult. Specific clinical conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis are discussed.

Chapter 3 is especially interesting, covering the effect of aging on motor control. The chapter examines age-related changes in motor control, physiological mechanisms of motor control (including sensory, vestibular, and proprioceptor function), postural control, balance and falling, reactive and planned coordinated movement, and nutritional effects on motor control. This chapter offers researched information that may benefit the clinician treating elderly individuals with motor control impairment.

Chapters 4 and 5 deal with information pertaining to the effect of aging on bone, ligament, tendons, and skeletal muscle. There is no direct clinical application for most of the information in these two chapters, but they do provide excellent information on tissue mechanics.

The cardiopulmonary system is discussed in chapter 6. This chapter's primary focus is on cardiopulmonary regulation during "acute exercise" and "chronic exercise" and the effects of human performance. The last four chapters deal with common geriatric disorders in the areas of temperature regulation, nutrition, insulin resistance, and immune factors. The textbook is well organized and covers all of the standard physiological systems affected by exercise and aging. The 10 chapters are organized in a consistent format beginning with introduction of the material, proceeding to topic information and current research, and concluding with directions for future research. Each chapter is supplemented with research studies, including charts, figures, and numerous references. A unique feature of the text is a roundtable discussion that is included at the end of each chapter. The participants are leaders in the field of exercise and aging. Areas that are not included in the text but would make the text more complete include changes in psychological and emotional status with exercise in the older population.

This is not an exercise manual for the older adult. This text's information can be useful to the physical therapist as the basis for an exercise program for the elderly population. The book offers the reader up-to-date information and provides a good foundation on exercise in the older adult. It should be included in medical and research libraries.

Janice K Loudon, PHD, PT, Univ of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS

Dr Loudon is Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center She has more than 13 years of clinical experience in orthopedics. Her research interest is in biomechanics and prevention of injuries in sports.