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Review of Books, Computer Software, and Videotapes |
 | Introduction |
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In my opinion, the author and contributors have met their goals. For example, clinical notes and case vignettes have been added to most chapters. The clinical notes highlight important insights, and the cases challenge readers to think creatively about clinical problems. Some cases are cleverly extended in subsequent chapters and provide interesting continuity. The goal of increased ease of use and the opportunity for self-directed learning will likely be realized with the attached DVD, which demonstrates use of most of the examination techniques as well as the use of handheld dynamometers with children, a feature not found in similar texts. Finally, other new features include a new chapter on functional strength tests for the older client, improved line drawings that include a visual representation of the nerve innervating each muscle, updated information on changes in strength with age and sex, discussions of various testing methods and guidelines for their use, and student-directed exercises. I agree with the author that this edition promotes more self-directed learning for the student health care practitioner.
This text is organized into 10 chapters. These chapters include an overview of muscle strength assessment; tests for upper extremities; tests for lower extremities; tests for the head, neck, and trunk; functional muscle tests; tests for pediatric patients; the use of handheld dynamometry; techniques for sensory examination; tests for coordination, mental status, cranial nerves, and superficial reflexes; and use of observational gait analysis as a screening tool.
The format for describing muscle tests is well done and consistent throughout the text. For instance, a line drawing of the muscle and innervating nerve is provided along with tables that contain descriptions of muscle attachments, innervating nerves, and muscle actions. In addition to photographs that illustrate the position of patient and examiner, descriptions are provided on stabilization, palpation, examiner and patient actions, gravity-resisted and gravity-eliminated positions, alternative positioning, and common muscle substitutions.
Other features of the book that should be highlighted include published functional strength data for gastrocnemius and soleus testing; other upper-body, lower- body, and gross body functional strength tests; pediatric strength testing for the first year of life; purchasing resources for handheld dynamometers; an outstanding literature review of the reliability of hand-held dynamometry and normal values derived from dynamometric testing; and appendixes that provide information on normal joint range of motion and muscle innervations by spinal cord level and peripheral nerve. The chapters on sensory testing provide information needed to perform neurologic examinations only. It may seem strange to include observational gait analysis in a book devoted to strength testing, but after providing an overview of normal gait, the authors related common gait deviations to muscle weakness. My only criticism relates to the dated information regarding vertebral artery patency with cervical motion testing in chapter 3. All chapters conclude with extensive up-to-date references and a bibliography.
I would recommend this text for health care students because it "has it all," and promotes critical thinking and self-directed learning. General health care practitioners will find this a useful reference because it is comprehensive in its lifespan approach.
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, Mich
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