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Neuromechanical Basis of Kinesiology by Roger M Enoka. Human Kinetics (Europe) Ltd, Leeds, 1994 (ISBN 0 87322 665 8) (2nd edn). lllus. 466 pages. f40.

This is a textbook on kinesiology for undergraduate students. Its goal is to examine the neuromechanical basis of kinesiology, based on the philosophy that movement involves an interaction between an animal and its surroundings.

The stated aims are to reach a broad audience of students involved in the study of movement, to intro- duce current concepts and thinking, to include a comprehensive and contemporary reference list, and to provide extensive graphical illustrations to elucidate the text.

The book is organised in three sections -the force motion relation- ship, the single joint system, and the adaptability of the motor system. There are clear objectives for each section, and a concise summary and extensive selection of true/false and problem-based questions a t the end of each chapter (the answers to which are included in the appendix).

The first section, which examines the mechanical basis of movement, includes chapters on motion (regarding position, velocity and acceleration), force (based on Newtonian laws, considering the various forces acting on the body, and introducing the concepts of torque and of free body diagrams to simplify movement analysis) and movement analysis (considering the instantaneous value of force, the effect of force applied over time, and the application of force causing an object to be displaced).

Section 2 is based around a biological model called the single joint system, which consists of five elements, namely a rigid link, synovial joint, muscle, neurone and sensory receptor. A description and discussion of these five elements comprises the first chapter in this section, which emphasises the adaptability of these components to provide a dynamic system with continually changing properties. The second chapter describes how these five elements of the single joint system interact to produce movement, exploring the roles of the motor unit, excitability of membranes, excitatiodcontraction

coupling and feedback from sensory receptors. The final chapter in this section examines the factors which influence the development of muscle torque within the single joint system, and considers neural, mechanical, anatomical and physio- logical factors.

The final section examines the adaptability of the motor system, and extends the single joint system model to provide a more complete account of those components that are directly involved in the per- formance of movement. The first chapter explores neural control of movement, the effect of demand on output, and neural strategies for control in goal-directed functional activities. The next two chapters examine the acute and chronic adaptations of the neuromuscular system to physical activity, the latter including adaptations assoc- iated with immobility and ageing.

The book concludes with a com- prehensive collection of appen- dices on SI units, basic math- ematics, conversion factors, body segment parameters, abbrevia- tions, problem answers, a glossary of terms, and finally an extensive reference list.

This is an excellent book, well organised, clearly written and the text is complemented lavishly with graphical illustrations. It is a demanding text, in tha t one would not dip into it lightly, but the concepts are clearly explained with illustrations and examples to assist comprehension. I t is a substantial text (A4 size and 466 pages) with a pleasant script and layout (and some wonderful diagrams from the work of Giovanni Borelli), and I would thoroughly recommend it as a prescribed reference text for physiotherapy students. For the serious student of movement (and not purely in the academic sense) this book is a must - quite the best kinesiology text I have encountered.

Kate Kerr PhD BA MCSP

‘Where can I get that book?’

Books reviewed are normally available from a good bookseller. When ordering give book title, author (or editor), publication date, publisher and the ISBN number.

They Haven’t Got Me Yet! by Peter and Janet Dashwood, available from Janet Dashwood, 1 Gallowtree Road, Rotherham S65 3EE, 1994 (ISBN 0 9525074 0 4). Illus. 120 pages. f 7 plus €1.50 postage and packing.

This small, privately published book is sub-titled ‘A life history of Peter Dashwood’ and includes a description of living with motor neurone disease and the equipment and services used. It gives us an insight into the courageous struggle and tremendous dedication of a young family having to cope with the continuous pressure of coming to terms with the life and ultimate death of a loved one with motor neurone disease. I t is a dedication to all the volunteers who helped them through their two years of difficulties.

Peter Dashwood starts the story, telling about his early life and work with the English Folk-dance and Song Society; it was a hobby first and his work later. His ultimate redundancy and disappointments make rather dull reading for non- EFDSS people.

Married to a 20-year younger wife, Janet, and with two young sons, life was hard enough already when MND was diagnosed; unfortu- nately no advice, counselling or follow-up was offered a t that time.

The more interesting second part is ably told by both Peter and Janet and gives us an account of their trials with red tape, officialdom and the ignorance about MND and its consequences.

It is also about their need to live a normal family life with dignity, together with the understanding of their friends and carers.

Essential advice and the need for lots of equipment, its availability and speed of delivery were of para- mount importance.

A declining active life after diag- nosis progressed relentlessly; the body failed but the mind stayed fully alert; however, quality of life remained the aim for the patient as well as the family.

All health care professionals should find this moving account a prod to get up to date on the devas- tating effects of MND and the care needs.

A list of useful addresses is supplied in the back of the book.

S R Barker-Damste MCSP

Physiotherapy, February 1996, vol82, no 2