Pediatric Anaerobic Performance

Pediatric Anaerobic Performance Editor: VAN PRAAGH, Emmanuel, PhD (Universite Blaise Pascal) Bibliographic Data: ISBN: (0-87322-981-9, Human Kinetics, Inc., 1998, $49.00) 375 pages, hard cover. Audience 1: Exercise Scientists Audience 2: Sports Medicine Specialists Other Info: The book contains black-and-white illustrations. DESCRIPTION: This is the first book that focuses almost entirely on different aspects of anaerobic fitness in children and youth. The approach for each chapter is a state of the knowledge review on anaerobic fitness with a primary focus on the development of anaerobic fitness and performance during growth and maturation. PURPOSE: Focusing on anaerobic fitness and performance in children and youth is unique and important as it is the first time this topic has been covered in such a comprehensive manner by some of the leading experts in the field. It is particularly important considering the patterns of youth exercise in sport and activity, which typically are repetitive short bursts of high intensity anaerobic activity. AUDIENCE: According to the editor, this book is written for those involved in exercise and sport science, sports medicine, pediatrics, physical education, and coaching. The primary audience is researchers involved in the study of pediatric exercise physiology. There are a few chapters written for practitioners in physical education and youth sport coaching. FEATURES: The figures and tables are excellent and are used effectively to summarize the state of knowledge in a particular area. References are pertinent and include recent research as well as classic studies related to the topic areas. ASSESSMENT: This reference is an excellent addition to the literature in pediatric exercise physiology. The chapters cover a broad spectrum of topics that relate to anaerobic fitness in children and youth. The general themes covered in the chapters include: development of anaerobic performance; measurement of anaerobic fitness and performance; training the anaerobic system; and clinical and environmental limitations. The final chapter offers some ideas for future research directions to enhance our understanding of anaerobic fitness in children. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 90 - **** Reviewed by: Patty S. Freedson, PhD (University of Massachusetts at Amherst)