ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities Author: American College of Sports Medicine Bibliographic Data: (ISBN: 0873227980, Human Kinetics Inc, 1997, $39.00), 269 pages, contributors, hard cover. Audience 1: Exercise Specialists Audience 2: Health Care Professionals Other Info: The book contains black-and-white illustrations. The contributors represent the specialties of sports medicine and physical therapy. Most are from U.S. hospitals, universities, and rehabilitiation clinics. Institutions prominently represented include Henry Ford Hospital, Univ of Miami, University Epilepsy Group, and Univ of Wisconsin. DESCRIPTION: This is a concisely written reference manual compiling evidence-based and expert opinion recommendations for exercise management in selected populations. The contributors assume a familiarity with ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Summary recommendations are presented in an easy to use table form. PURPOSE: The authors intend to provide a framework for determining functional capacity as well as develop appropriate exercise programming to optimize this capacity in persons with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. As such, they have met their objectives and produced a much needed compendium of available material concerning exercise in the management of specific conditions. AUDIENCE: The text targets a wide variety of healthcare and exercise professionals. It may be most useful for those familiar with ACSM Guidelines and who regularly use exercise in treatment and prevention. Written and edited by leading authorities in their respective fields, the information is up-to-date and credible. FEATURES: This attractive, glossy book features eye-friendly print, concise and readable tables, and heavy stock pages suitable for use as a reference text. References are current, pertinent, and appropriate to the material and audience. A well written preface and "Framework" section provide the basis for use of the text. The appendixes include a medication section and case studies demonstrating the practical application of material presented. ASSESSMENT: Any health professional using exercise in disease management will want this excellent reference manual on the bookshelf. Written and edited by the leading authorities in their respective fields, this concise, user friendly text extends the basic principles of exercise testing and prescription set forth by the ACSM for practical application to the management of a variety of chronic medical conditions. The authors, through a problem-oriented approach and based on both available data and clinical expertise, set forth disease specific recommendations for exercise testing and programming. For the busy practitioner who believes exercise is a key component in managing chronic conditions to optimize functional capacity and quality of life, this text is essential. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 94 - **** Reviewed by: Scott Eathorne, MD (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers)