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Abdominal Training by Christopher M Norris. A & C Black, 35 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4JH, 1997 (ISBN 0 7136 4585 7). Illus. 120 pages. f 70.99.

As the title of this book implies, the focu‘s of the book is on the training of the abdominal musculature. The author has aimed to describe an abdominal programme designated ‘Functional Load Abdominal Train- ing’, designed not to facilitate sports performance, but rather to develop t runk fitness which is relevant to everyday life.

The author has aimed the book at ‘fitness trainers, aerobics instruc- tors, therapists, keep-fit enthus- iasts, sports people and coaches’. The level of delivery and language used certainly suggests tha t it is aimed a t a ‘non-knowledgeable’ audience rather than at either student or clinical physiotherapists. There is a slight contradiction in the early claim tha t the book aims to develop abdominal fitness for everyday life, not specifically for sport, and the stated market a t which the book is aimed.

Each chapter is set out in a logical and clear format with highlighted key points, simple diagrams and a point-by-point summary.

The content moves logically from a description of the structure, function and mechanics of the spine, to review the basic concepts of abdominal training and the in- fluence of posture on exercise and vice versa. Before progressing to a description of the abdominal train- ing programme, the author briefly introduces the relationship between diet, exercise and body weight.

The part of the book which deals with abdominal exercises begins with a chapter which identifies common abdominal exercises and explains correct and incorrect appli- cation; this is followed by a chapter on the dangers of t runk exercises. The importance of warm-up before starting the exercise programme is

emphasised, as it is the wearing of appropriate clothing and footwear. The exercise programme itself is graded into four levels of increasing difficulty, progressing from a foun- dation level which involves basic control of pelvic tilt , to eccentric t runk curls (‘crunches’) a t the highest level.

The book finishes with two applied sections - one on abdominal training in sport, and the other on abdominal exercise in water.

The book is clearly and simply presented, but at the end of this review I am not sure who would wish to buy it. The logical presen- tation of the progressive exercise programme may be useful for very junior physiotherapy students, but I do not think that the style of the book would attract qualified profes- sionals. The language and style of the book are definitely aimed at those with either very limited or no background knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics or exercise training, so perhaps it will be found useful by less qualified trainers and instructors. However, they may be unwilling to pay S10.99 for such a narrowly focused book.

K a t e Kerr PhD BA MCSP Cert Ed

Sport specific exercises - Top: Medicine ball curl-up. Below: Overhead throw-in

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) A reference book for prevention by Mats Hagberg, Barbara Silverstein, Richard Wells, Michael J Smith, Hal W Hendrick, Pascale Carayon and Michel Perusse. Taylor and Francis, Basingstoke, Hampshire, 1995 (ISBN 0 7484 0132 6). Illus. 421 pages. f 19.95.

Work-related musculoskeletal dis- orders (WMSDs) are a significant problem throughout the world for both management and workers and this book aims to help with their prevention.

The book contains scientific in- formation prepared by an inter- national expert group which has created a database of WMSD research. It examines the work- relatedness of WMSDs in the light of existing literature and then goes on to explore and synthesise infor- mation, avenues and approaches that could help in its prevention.

The authors do state that the literature is not always sound on all aspects of a problem and they draw analogies from other areas of health and safety to illustrate other approaches where necessary.

The book starts with a chapter on the evidence of work relatedness for selected musculoskeletal disor- ders of the neck and upper limbs. Reviewed literature is quoted in each case along with tables of find- ings from a sample of the most quoted literature studies. Invalu- able help is also provided for the interpretation of these tables.

A logical progression then follows with chapters on risk factors, surveillance for WMSDs, manage- ment solutions, managing change, WMSDs-related training, and med- ical management.

Chapters are well laid out with introductions followed by over- views tha t go on to cover different schools of thought on each topic, which are again backed up by ref- erences, tables and diagrams as appropriate.

References are clearly set out at the end of the book along with lists of symptoms, disorders and diseases under WMSDs acronyms, terms and definitions used, and attributable fractions for WMSDs.

This user-friendly book contains a wealth of researched information and is an ideal source of reference for anyone involved with the prevention of WMSDs. I found it

Physiotherapy, August 1997, vol83, no a