Book Info
Author is a physical therapist specializing in osteoporosis. Text, for consumers, on strengthening bones, relieving pain, improving posture and balance, and restoring body height. Trim-size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Landscape format. Wire-spiral binding, softcover also available.

ANNOTATION

The book contains no figures.

Complete exercise program can relieve back and neck pain of all kinds, and it can prevent or relieve symptoms of osteoporosis: alleviate pain, improve body alignment, restore some body height, and strengthen bones. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the back extensors, the deep layer of muscles of the back that hold the body up against the force of gravity. Notably absent are flexion exercises (toe touches, knee-to chest movements, etc.), which can cause spinal compression fractures in weakened vertebrae.

FROM THE CRITICS

Christopher J. Hughes

This brief self-help text is written for the patient or consumer who is seeking information on safe and proper exercise to prevent or decrease the effects of osteoporosis. The book is written in a simple layman's narrative. The intended purpose is to instruct individuals on the type of exercise and the proper performance of exercise for reducing postural and functional deficits caused by osteoporosis. The author states that the exercises selected are safe for nearly everyone. While this is intended as a self-help text, it could be used by physical and occupational therapists to educate primarily (but not exclusively) elderly patients, and reinforce fundamental concepts governing home exercise programs for osteoporosis. The editor is a physical therapist and a geriatric clinical specialist who regularly treats the frail elderly. The majority of exercises reviewed require no equipment except for thera-band elastic on selected exercises. The exercises address specific joints and also are prescribed as exercises that can improve posture, balance, and walking. A continual theme throughout the chapters is the emphasis on the importance of postural alignment during exercises and also with activities of daily living. The strengths of the text relate to the simple writing style, explanation of exercises, simple diagrams showing each exercise, and the brevity of the text. The book can be read in one sitting. In addition, the section on body mechanics is practical and relevant. A weakness is the lack of references (there is only one) to support the program, and a possible over reliance on extension exercises performed on the floor. This text serves the purpose of education and simpleexercise instruction to allow safe and conservative exercise. I see it filling a niche in the area of patient education for persons with osteoporosis. However, some claims related to immediate postural correction may be overstated. The editor's intent to target a large audience through conservative exercise may limit its application for individuals who need more specific and guided instruction by a therapist.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Chris Hughes, PT, PhD, OCS, CSCS (Slippery Rock University)Description: This brief self-help text is written for the patient or consumer who is seeking information on safe and proper exercise to prevent or decrease the effects of osteoporosis. The book is written in a simple layman's narrative. Purpose: The intended purpose is to instruct individuals on the type of exercise and the proper performance of exercise for reducing postural and functional deficits caused by osteoporosis. The author states that the exercises selected are safe for nearly everyone. Audience: While this is intended as a self-help text, it could be used by physical and occupational therapists to educate primarily (but not exclusively) elderly patients, and reinforce fundamental concepts governing home exercise programs for osteoporosis. The editor is a physical therapist and a geriatric clinical specialist who regularly treats the frail elderly. Features: The majority of exercises reviewed require no equipment except for thera-band elastic on selected exercises. The exercises address specific joints and also are prescribed as exercises that can improve posture, balance, and walking. A continual theme throughout the chapters is the emphasis on the importance of postural alignment during exercises and also with activities of daily living. The strengths of the text relate to the simple writing style, explanation of exercises, simple diagrams showing each exercise, and the brevity of the text. The book can be read in one sitting. In addition, the section on body mechanics is practical and relevant. A weakness is the lack of references (there is only one) to support the program, and a possible over reliance on extension exercises performed on the floor. Assessment: This text serves the purpose of education and simple exercise instruction to allow safe and conservative exercise. I see it filling a niche in the area of patient education for persons with osteoporosis. However, some claims related to immediate postural correction may be overstated. The editor's intent to target a large audience through conservative exercise may limit its application for individuals who need more specific and guided instruction by a therapist.

RATING