Medical and Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise

The importance of physical activity for the maintenance of health has long been recognised. For some diseases, the role of exercise in prevention or rehabilitation has been well documented. For others, evidence is gradually emerging. This book represents an attempt to assimilate current knowledge relating to the role of physical activity within health and medicine into a single volume. The intended audience includes physicians and other health professionals involved in a number of fields, such as general or family practice, orthopaedics, paediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatry, sports medicine and rehabilitation. It is also expected to be of relevance to clinical, health and sport psychologists, athletic directors, coaches, academics and students. The aim is to present the evidence and consider the implications for the value of physical activity in the prevention and management of various medical conditions, and to discuss the relevant issues concerning the use of exercise for these purposes.

Edited by David Mostofsky and Leonard Zaichkowsky of Boston University, the book has been written by an impressive list of internationally renowned contributors. The scope of the book is also impressive. Thorough overviews are provided on the contribution of exercise to longevity, pain management, immune function, sleep and stress reduction. There are also chapters reviewing the evidence for the effects of physical activity in preventing or treating important diseases such as diabetes, cancer and depression. The role of exercise in eating disorders and the relationship with amenorrhoea and osteoporosis are discussed, as are concerns over exercise and epilepsy. Other chapters cover issues pertaining to injury prevention and rehabilitation, training for youth and older adult populations and orthopaedic considerations. There is also an overview of evidence on performance-enhancing drugs and supplements.

Although the style of individual chapters differs, all are fully referenced with up-to-date literature. Naturally, there is a larger body of evidence on some subjects (e.g. diabetes) than others (e.g. preparation for labour and delivery). Nonetheless, all authors follow a strictly evidence-based approach with conclusions and recommendations rooted firmly in the literature. Each of the 18 chapters is eminently readable, making this book accessible to a wide readership. It is unquestionably a good choice for anyone with an interest in the subjects covered.