health promotion and exercise for older adults – an instructor's guide

1
Sports Injuries, Recognition and Manage- ment, edited by M A Hutson, Oxford Medical Publications, Oxford, 1990 (ISBN 0 19 261750 8). €45. There are so many books on sports injuries that one could be forgiven for questioning the need for another. Dr Hutson's book is written specifically for general practitioners, secondarily for specialists such as rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons with a developing interest in sports medicine. This target audience has probably not been well catered for in the past, and this book more than makes up for the omission. The topics covered start with the head, including eye injuries, and work through the body to the feet. There are separate chapters on investigations, prevention of injury, treatment and rehabilitation, and first aid in sport. Each chapter is referenced. The large double-column format and the exemplary clarity of the photographs and diagrams make the book easy to read, despite the large amount of information contained in it. Apart from the editor, there are seven contributors, all doctors or surgeons. It is a pity that there is no contribution from a Chartered physiotherapist. Oddly, there seems to be little mention of physiotherapy, Chartered or otherwise, apart from a brief reference on page 3. Nor could I find any mention of podiatrists, although the use of orthotics is described in some detail. It might have been helpful for the target audience of doctors if the role of the various relevant paramedics had been described in more detail. I was appalled to see the high back of a sports shoe described as an 'Achilles protector', and disappointed that some of the exercises illustrated were not accurately performed, especially in respect of the starting positions. Physiotherapy treatment modalities are described, including cryotherapy, heat, some electrotherapy techniques, massage and execise therapy, but I was disappointed that there was no mention of the importance of electrical muscle stimulation for functional recovery. These reservations apart, there is no doubt that this book will be of tremendous value to medical practitioners wishing to understand and treat sports injuries. Their understanding should lead to better use of Chartered physiotherapists and other practitioners. Equally, Chartered physio- therapists can learn a great deal from the book about the medical approach to sports injuries. VIVIAN CRISOGONO MA(0xon) MCSP Stress Management for Teachers, by Sandra H Mills PhD. Framework Press Educational Publishers Ltd, Lancaster, 1990 (ISBN 1 85008 072 0). Illus. 132 pages. f36.50 (plus €2.95 p&p). This book, primarily written for school teachers, can equally apply to many other professions. It certainly provides an excellent guide in identifying and understanding the nature, cause and coping skills of stress. The author makes a good attempt at explaining the rather broad range of factors that stress encompasses. Similarly, the content is concise, easy to understand and presented in logical progression. The book begins with indentifying the stress syndrome, clearly illustrating the signs and symptoms. This is followed by three stages in the progessive development of stress, and is supplemented by numerous diagrams. The author continues with the stress response and emphasises that this can vary significantly between individuals. In fact, it is claimed that stressful situations in the main do not in themselves cause the damage to health, but instead it is the individual's response to them which is potentially. harmful. In spite of giving a sound theoretical explanation of stress management in general, the book contains a wealth of practical advice on how the stress response can be avoided, delayed and controlled. This facet of the book ranges from general coping strategies to long- and short-term suggestions for delegating and easing the workload. The author also explores the role of time management, assertiveness and methods of improving self-image and setting personal skills in reducing the impact of stress, such as relaxation. Another important feature of this book is that it comes in the form of a loose-leaf folder. The sheets may be photocopied, provided they are used solely within the institution purchasing the book. There are numerous sheets prepared specifically for overhead transparencies, making excellent teaching material. The book also includes an abundance of diagrams and activity-based exercises to encourage class participation. Furthermore, concise summaries are made covering key points on various major issues pertaining to stress and its management. Although the book focuses on the teaching profession, all physiotherapists would learn much about stress, particularly its management strategies. It could be used also as a self-help guide or in groups. The author also includes, in an appendix, useful names and addresses and recommendations for further reading. However, having read this book, it will prove difficult to find another that is so comprehensive and offering much practical value. For example, in the section "Stressproofing your school', six areas are discussed - improving communication, approaches to time, deadlines and workload, staff welfare, morale and motivation, building effective teams and negotiating conflict. In general, this book offers much detailed information, yet explained in a simplified manner. The layout, content and present- ation make pleasant reading of what is considered a depressing subject. However, I for one am better prepared for certain stressful situations should they arise. This book is certainly recommended and would prove of particular value to physiotherapists. GEOFFREY TANCRED MPhil MSc BEd MCSP Health Promotion and Exercise for Older Adults - An instructor's guide, by Carol B Lewis and Linda C Campanelli. Aspen Publishers (UK agent Williams and Wilkins Ltd, Broadway House, 2-6 Fulham Broadway, London SW6 1AA). 1990 (ISBN 0 8342 0169 0). Illus. €28. This book is specifically aimed at clinicians who are interested in leading health promotion and exercise classes for older adults. The authors, a physiotherapist and health educationist, both specialising in gerontology, see their programme of health promotion activities being the key to the maintenance of function and rehabilitation in older people. 1. Explains the marketing and structure of the programme. 2. Lists the specific exercise classes, plus basic background information, 26 of these covering every area of the body. 3. Gives more details on particular problems such as amputees and disruptive part- icipants. Emphasis is put on the need to set measurable overall goals. The book has some good general points on gerontology, eg photo-enlarging the hand- The book is in three parts: outs to make them easier for older people to read. There are few references, and the bibliography is very limited. I would like to have seen more support given to some of the statements made. I particularly disliked the implications of the chapters titled 'Stopping stroke' and 'All about Alzheimer's disease' in three pages. I also found the medical history forms and physical activity profile forms difficult for patients to fill in, and would suggest to anyone interested in this aspect that they look at the Sports Council's adult fitness programme health questionnaire for the over-50s, which is better designed. I see this book being useful for any physiotherapist who is planning to train a group of helpers in taking maintenance classes in ward or residential home situations. There are many exercise guides and health promotion booklets available, but few actually targeted for the older adult population. It is sensitive to the needs of older people an,d the differences in working with this age group. It is easy to read, well organised, and has some good illustrations of exercises. MAR GAR ET HASTl NG S BA GradDipPhys MCSP needed). Diagram from 'Health Promotion and Exercise for Older Adults - An instructor's guide' Physiotherapy, August 1 991, vol77, no 8 58 1

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Page 1: Health Promotion and Exercise for Older Adults – An instructor's guide

Sports Injuries, Recognition and Manage- ment, edited by M A Hutson, Oxford Medical Publications, Oxford, 1990 (ISBN 0 19 261750 8). €45.

There are so many books on sports injuries that one could be forgiven for questioning the need for another.

Dr Hutson's book is written specifically for general practitioners, secondarily for specialists such as rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons with a developing interest in sports medicine. This target audience has probably not been well catered for in the past, and this book more than makes up for the omission.

The topics covered start with the head, including eye injuries, and work through the body to the feet. There are separate chapters on investigations, prevention of injury, treatment and rehabilitation, and first aid in sport. Each chapter is referenced. The large double-column format and the exemplary clarity of the photographs and diagrams make the book easy to read, despite the large amount of information contained in it.

Apart from the editor, there are seven contributors, all doctors or surgeons. It is a pity that there is no contribution from a Chartered physiotherapist. Oddly, there seems to be little mention of physiotherapy, Chartered or otherwise, apart from a brief reference on page 3. Nor could I find any mention of podiatrists, although the use of orthotics is described in some detail. It might have been helpful for the target audience of doctors if the role of the various relevant paramedics had been described in more detail.

I was appalled to see the high back of a sports shoe described as an 'Achilles protector', and disappointed that some of the exercises illustrated were not accurately performed, especially in respect of the starting positions. Physiotherapy treatment modalit ies are described, including cryotherapy, heat, some electrotherapy techniques, massage and execise therapy, but I was disappointed that there was no mention of the importance of electrical muscle stimulation for functional recovery.

These reservations apart, there is no doubt that this book will be of tremendous value to medical practit ioners wishing to understand and treat sports injuries. Their understanding should lead to better use of Chartered physiotherapists and other practitioners. Equally, Chartered physio- therapists can learn a great deal from the book about the medical approach to sports injuries.

VIVIAN CRISOGONO MA(0xon) MCSP

Stress Management for Teachers, by Sandra H Mills PhD. Framework Press Educational Publishers Ltd, Lancaster, 1990 (ISBN 1 85008 072 0). Illus. 132 pages. f36.50 (plus €2.95 p&p).

This book, primarily written for school teachers, can equally apply to many other professions. It certainly provides an excellent guide in identifying and understanding the nature, cause and coping skills of stress. The author makes a good attempt at explaining the rather broad range of factors that stress encompasses. Similarly, the content is concise, easy to understand and presented in logical progression.

The book begins with indentifying the stress syndrome, clearly illustrating the signs and symptoms. This is followed by three

stages in the progessive development of stress, and is supplemented by numerous diagrams. The author continues with the stress response and emphasises that this can vary significantly between individuals. In fact, it is claimed that stressful situations in the main do not in themselves cause the damage to health, but instead it is the individual's response to them which is potentially. harmful.

In spite of giving a sound theoretical explanation of stress management in general, the book contains a wealth of practical advice on how the stress response can be avoided, delayed and controlled. This facet of the book ranges from general coping strategies to long- and short-term suggestions for delegating and easing the workload. The author also explores the role of time management, assertiveness and methods of improving self-image and setting personal skills in reducing the impact of stress, such as relaxation.

Another important feature of this book is that it comes in the form of a loose-leaf folder. The sheets may be photocopied, provided they are used solely within the institution purchasing the book. There are numerous sheets prepared specifically for overhead transparencies, making excellent teaching material. The book also includes an abundance of diagrams and activity-based

exercises to encourage class participation. Furthermore, concise summaries are made covering key points on various major issues pertaining to stress and its management.

Although the book focuses on the teaching profession, all physiotherapists would learn much about stress, particularly its management strategies. It could be used also as a self-help guide or in groups. The author also includes, in an appendix, useful names and addresses and recommendations for further reading. However, having read this book, it will prove difficult to find another that is so comprehensive and offering much practical value. For example, in the section "Stressproofing your school', six areas are discussed - improving communication, approaches to time, deadlines and workload, staff welfare, morale and motivation, building effective teams and negotiating conflict.

In general, this book offers much detailed information, yet explained in a simplified manner. The layout, content and present- ation make pleasant reading of what is considered a depressing subject. However, I for one am better prepared for certain stressful situations should they arise. This book is certainly recommended and would prove of particular value to physiotherapists.

GEOFFREY TANCRED MPhil MSc BEd MCSP

Health Promotion and Exercise for Older Adults - An instructor's guide, by Carol B Lewis and Linda C Campanelli. Aspen Publishers (UK agent Williams and Wilkins Ltd, Broadway House, 2 - 6 Fulham Broadway, London SW6 1AA). 1990 (ISBN 0 8342 0169 0). Illus. €28.

This book is specifically aimed at clinicians who are interested in leading health promotion and exercise classes for older adults.

The authors, a physiotherapist and health educationist, both specialising in gerontology, see their programme of health promotion activities being the key to the maintenance of function and rehabilitation in older people.

1. Explains the marketing and structure of the programme.

2. Lists the specific exercise classes, plus basic background information, 26 of these covering every area of the body.

3. Gives more details on particular problems such as amputees and disruptive part- icipants. Emphasis is put on the need to set measurable overall goals.

The book has some good general points on gerontology, eg photo-enlarging the hand-

The book is in three parts:

outs to make them easier for older people to read. There are few references, and the bibliography is very limited. I would like to have seen more support given to some of the statements made.

I particularly disliked the implications of the chapters titled 'Stopping stroke' and 'All about Alzheimer's disease' in three pages.

I also found the medical history forms and physical activity profile forms difficult for patients to fill in, and would suggest to anyone interested in this aspect that they look at the Sports Council's adult fitness programme health questionnaire for the over-50s, which is better designed.

I see this book being useful for any physiotherapist who is planning to train a group of helpers in taking maintenance classes in ward or residential home situations. There are many exercise guides and health promotion booklets available, but few actually targeted for the older adult population. It is sensitive to the needs of older people an,d the differences in working with this age group.

It is easy to read, well organised, and has some good illustrations of exercises.

MAR GAR ET HASTl NG S BA GradDipPhys MCSP

needed). Diagram from 'Health Promotion and Exercise for Older Adults - An instructor's guide'

Physiotherapy, August 1 991, vol77, no 8 58 1