Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Sport-Specific Approach.

Buschbacher RM, Braddom RL, eds. Philadelphia, PA 19107, Hanley and Belfus Inc, 1994, hardback, 319 pp, illus, $50.

This is a unique sports text in that information is presented in a sports-specific manner. The emphasis of the text is on similarities and differences in the rehabilitation needs of athletes participating in a variety of sports. In addition to the coverage of particular sports, several chapters focus on important rehabilitation related issues, such as aspects of tissue injury and healing, exercise in individuals with preexisting illness, and the use of exercise as a preventive tool.

The book is presented logically, and information is easy to access. Chapters are complemented with a number of illustrations to help demonstrate techniques of assessment and rehabilitation. All chapters are supplemented with an adequate list of references.

The text is divided into 22 chapters, most of which are written by physicians from the area of orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine. Chapter 1 discusses core objectives of the preparticipation examination and factors important to tailoring the examination to the individual. Elements of the history and physical examination that help ensure safe involvement of any individual in an exercise program are also presented. The second chapter reviews tissue injury and healing and the effects of physical agents, medication, and exercise. A conceptual framework for the practical application of strength and flexibility training is the basis for chapter 3.

Chapters 4 through 13 are dedicated to individual sports including throwing and racquet sports, swimming, basketball, competitive diving, long-distance running, bicycling, gymnastics, football and contact sports, body building, and alpine skiing. Each of the chapters reviews the anatomy and biomechanics of the joints involved in the sport, common injuries related to the sport, and rehabilitative techniques.

Chapters 14 and 15 introduce the concept of bracing for the knee and ankle. Prophylactic, rehabilitative, and functional braces are discussed, in addition to ankle taping. Issues pertinent to pediatric sports are discussed in chapter 16. Areas unique to this chapter include emergency management of specific disorders and the athlete who is disabled.

The female athlete is the topic for chapters 17 and 18. Chapter 17 focuses on the anatomic, physiologic, and endocrinologic differences between men and women. Chapter 18 addresses the reproductive and medical issues in female athletes.

Chapter 19 focuses on the wheelchair athlete. An appendix is included at the end of the chapter and lists associations and resources for the wheelchair athlete. Chapter 20 discusses the general principles of exercise prescription and the various means of determining appropriate exercise intensity. Also included are guidelines for prescribing safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with selected medical problems.

Chapter 21 is entitled "Exercise for Life" and informs the reader about the importance of regular activity to reduce or prevent disease and disability, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Chapter 22 is dedicated to the topic of aquatic running. An understanding of the biomechanic principles of the aquatic environment, proper techniques of exercise prescription to assist the practitioner in incorporating aquatic running into the rehabilitation, and training programs for injured athletes are reviewed.

Overall, the authors have provided a text that is well written and interesting to read. Although the text's coverage of each area is not complete, basic information can be gained. A strength of this book is the information on injury pathomechanics specific to a particular sport. For example, in chapter 9, which deals with prevention and treatment of bicycle-related injuries, bicycle components and proper bicycle fit are addressed.

I was disappointed with the text because there was no mention of golf, which is one of the most commonly played sports. Also, the editors mention in the preface that they "wanted to offer a book that emphasizes the rehabilitation of athletic injuries"; unfortunately, their approach to rehabilitation is a little simplistic for the rehabilitation specialist. I would have expected more input from physical therapists and athletic trainers to provide a true sports rehabilitation text.

This book could serve as a reference for the generalist physical therapist who would like basic information about sports injuries. I would not recommend this text for the individual who wants an in-depth orthopedic rehabilitation text.

Janice K Loudon, PhD, PT University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, Kan

Dr Loudon is Assistant Professor in the physical therapy program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She has over 13 years of clinical experience in orthopedics. Her research interest is the study of biomechanics and prevention of injuries in sports.