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Fitness Programming and Physical Disability edited by Patricia D Miller. Human Kinetics, PO Box IW14, Leeds LS16 6TR, 1995 (ISBN 0 87322 434 5). Illus. 222 pages. f23.50

This book has been written by 12 different individuals from various backgrounds in sports science and physical disabilities for Disabled Sports USA. It is designed for anyone leading a training or exer- cise group for people with physical disabilities, and covers the theor- etical and practical issues for implementing fitness programmes and how to individualise exercises to allow for varying ability within a group setting. It does not attempt to discuss the huge variety of disabilities in depth but gives basic information, safety guidelines and ideas for planning exercise classes.

I t is divided into four main sections covering disability, exercise science, programme modifications and programme management. The first section deals with general issues concerned with physical disabilities, chapter 1 covering sociological considerations such as access to training facilities, legal issues (USA), guidelines for specific disabilities, equal opportunities and communication, attitudes and preferred behaviours.

Chapter 2 describes some of the more commonly seen disabil- ities and discusses the exercise implications involved. Conditions are organised into progressivehon- progressive, central and peripheral nervous system problems and peripheral structures. They are explained quite clearly and simply and would be ideal for explaining to

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a lay person. There are also some clear tables suggesting and giving reasons for the choice of approp- riate behaviour with different conditions - such as how to deal with emotional lability or how to give instructions to someone with language comprehension problems.

Part 2 gives a basic explanation of exercise science and conditioning principles relevant to disability. Chapters 3 and 4 look at the phys- iology of anaerobic and aerobic exercise respectively. Descriptions of skeletal muscle structure and the circulatory system are given along with aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. How different disabilities have an effect on these systems is then shown in easy reference table format.

Part 3 gives advice on developing

The Braille-me instructional technique for people with visual impairment. From ‘Fitness Programming and Physical Disability’

A Buyers’ Guide to Opening Tools produced by the Disabled Living Centres Council and commissioned by the institute of Grocery Distribution, Grange Lane, Letchmore Heath, Watford WD2 8DQ, 1997. Illus. 23 pages. Free.

The grocery industry has made great strides in making some pack- aging easier to open, in spite of the need to ensure that food is hygienically wrapped and tamper- proof.

Nevertheless, many older people and those with arthritis or sight problems still resort to doorframes, spanners, wet flannels and numerous other inappropriate and

sometimes dangerous devices to get a t the contents of some containers.

This booklet is a catalogue of opening tools, none costing more than 215. Each entry shows a photo- graph of the product, describes it, gives the name and address of the supplier and quotes some consumer views.

I t is spaciously and attractively set out and provides a clear guide to store buyers who are wondering what aids to stock. It would be equally useful to anyone who advises people with wrist or hand weakness when tackling individual problems.

JW

exercise programmes and is the largest section in the book.

There is a section on adapting standard principles of resistance training, stretching and aerobic exercise with guidelines for a lay person on highlighting specific problems which first need t o be dealt with by an appropriate health care professional before taking part in a fitness programme.

The section on resistance training discusses modifications for gross weakness or spasticity and stresses the importance of pre-scanning while mentioning the dangers of overloading those with progressive disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

There is also a useful section on using stretch bands.

The chapters on stretching are also quite extensive, discussing the different types of stretching and which are appropriate or not in different circumstances. The authors give point-by-point advice on modifications for different problems such as impaired sens- ation or spasticity and for specific disabilities, eg cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury or arthritic conditions.

The next chapter gives examples of specific exercises for different muscle groups with clear diagrams and photographs. The final chapter in this section is on the use of aerobic dance.

The last section covers the admin- istration involved in setting up and running a group of this nature. Topics such as registration, promo- tional work, participant education and medical emergencies are covered. There is a separate chapter on wheelchairs and transport, and the appendices include information on drugs used.

Overall I think this is an easily readable book and would be suitable to recommend to non-professionals with some knowledge looking for an informative text. Despite using a simplified format so far as some of the medical and physiological terms are concerned it is also quite useful for health professionals with an interest in starting in this field.

The text is well set out with easily accessible reference points. The important information is presented in tables to highlight salient points and there is effective use of photo- graphs.

Nicola Phillips MSc MCSP

Physiotherapy, April 1997, vol83, no 4