Training Guide to Cerebral Palsy Sports: The Recognized Training Guide of the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association, 3rd ed.

Training Guide to Cerebral Palsy Sports: The Recognized Training Guide of the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association, ed 3

Edited by Jones JA. Champaign, IL 61820, Human Kinetics Publishers Inc, 1988, paper, 240 pp, illus, $20

This book explains how children and young people who have physical limitations can participate in competitive sports programs guided by informed and enthusiastic coaches. The editor gathered together a knowledgeable group of coaches, athletic trainers, and physical therapists, all experts in their specialty sport, to compose each chapter. The number of persons with physical disabilities participating in sports competition is growing rapidly. Where the training of coaches and proper funding are available, these specialized programs are providing a much-needed outlet for young people and children who are physically challenged. These programs make possible recreation and training to optimize physical development and function, peer group interaction, teamwork, and competition in national and international games. Now less able-bodied persons with cerebral palsy and other severe physical limitations can participate in sports. The game rules, player positions, and boundaries are adapted to provide athletes with maximum opportunity to engage in sports. The United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association (USCPAA) and the Committee on Sports for the Disabled (COSD) provide guidelines and rules for sports events and athletic competition.

The book is divided into four parts. Part I covers athlete classifications for athletes with cerebral pals), and "les autres," or athletes who have disabilities such as amputations, arthrogryposis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and other developmental disabilities.

Part 2 covers training and preparation, including the physical therapist's involvement in fitness and exercise programs, general sports training, nutrition, selection of equipment, and wheelchairs. The excellent chapter on flexibility covers special measures taken for individuals with spasticity, limited range of motion, recent surgery, or hyperflexibility. Correct techniques are covered in the chapters on exercise for fitness and general sports training, but no mention is made of the special needs, of athletes with abnormal reflex activity or spasticity.

Part 3 contains detailed, concise chapters on field events, swimming, horsemanship, archery, bowling, cycling, handball, soccer, slalom, aerobics, power lifting, weight training, boccia, rifle shooting, and flotation devices. Coaches and trainers can easily use the information in these well-written chapters.

Section 4 contains wise advice for those involved in a cerebral palsy sports program. The author discusses the need for effective sports programs; preparation in elementary school adaptive physical education classes; and education of parents, therapists and school administrators in supportive roles. The three appendixes contain directories of the sport and recreational organizations, the sports technical committee of USCPAA, and wheelchair manufacturers. A pertinent glossary is included.

A positive attitude pervades the book, as innovative ways to enable physically challenged athletes to participate are described and illustrated. The authors discuss the need to look beyond able-bodied techniques and to adapt them for individuals who lack the strength, coordination, or balance to perform in the conventional manner. Modifications for specific events are covered (such as "the flippy flyer" or soft shot bean bag for the discus-throwing event). The use of videotapes for instruction and feedback is discussed. According to the authors, individuals should consult physical therapists before beginning certain sports programs. The illustrations of participants in various poses during training and competition are excellent.

This book on sports training for those with cerebral palsy is quite comprehensive. It covers bikes, sports wheelchairs, swim flotation devices, and other modified equipment. The book would be useful to physical therapists and others who are coaching or training athletes for "cerebral palsy sports." it also would be useful for physical therapy practitioners, occupational therapists, and adaptive physical education instructors who act as classifiers for physically challenged people and for those individuals who want to participate in cerebral palsy sports. The references provided at the end of most chapters are pertinent and current.