Clinical Exercise Physiology: Application and Physiological Principles

Clinical Exercise Physiology: Application and Physiological Principles Authors: LeMura, Linda M. , PhD, FACSM; von Duvillard, Serge P. , PhD, FACSM Bibliographic Data: (ISBN: 0-7817-2680-8, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, 71. 95) 668 pages, hard cover. Subjects: Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy. DESCRIPTION: This book is intended to aid undergraduate and graduate exercise science students in exercise programming for various types of chronic disease conditions. The scope is broad, covering patho-physiology, medical management, and exercise testing and prescription techniques for eight different practice areas. PURPOSE: The purpose is to address capstone needs of clinical exercise physiology students relative to exercise responses, testing, prescription, and programming. This is a worthy objective given the prevalence of many of the disease states discussed in the book. While the chapter content varies in the breadth and depth of information, many undergraduate and graduate students will likely find the sections covering metabolic, immunologic, orthopedic, aging, and cognitive disorders to be empowering tools in improving medical outcomes with their patients. AUDIENCE: Although the audience is graduate and undergraduate clinical exercise physiology students, physiologists working in the field and in academia will find the book useful. FEATURES: The book covers pathophysiology, diagnosis, medical management, exercise responses and programming for 36 chronic diseases and conditions. One of the best features included in each chapter are two sections entitled, ‘what we know’ and ‘what we want to know’ about exercise testing and prescription. In many chapters, case studies are included which will allow readers to understand general presentation in a given patient population. This feature alone is often one of the most useful ways for students to understand and appreciate chronic disease conditions. While the book certainly contributes to clinical exercise physiology, better organization and streamlining of the chapters might have helped the reader in this regard. For example, many of the chapters leave out sections that specifically address F. I. T. T. guidelines while others are very detailed. Similarly, some chapters focus more on detailing pathophysiology, while other focus more on exercise testing and prescription. ASSESSMENT: This thorough book covers exercise and disease states with a unique approach. It will be helpful for not only students, but also professionals in clinical exercise physiology. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 65 Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Blevins, PhD (Northern Arizona University College of Health Professions)