Customer Reviews

The Scientific and Clinical Application of Elastic Resistance

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This book is a reference for physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, clinical exercise physiologists, strength/conditioning specialists, personal trainers, and sports medicine physicians. It's not for the layman, although there are some interesting topics here that would likely interest many.

The contents include:

Part I. Scientific Basis

Chapter 1. Scientific Basis of Exercise Resistance

Chapter 2. Clinical Research on Exercise Resistance

Chapter 3. Dosing of Elastic Resistance Exercise

Part II. Exercise Applications

Chapter 4. Upper Extremity Exercises With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 5. Lower Extremity Exercises With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 6. Spinal Exercises With Elastic Resistance

Part III. Specific Training Applications

Chapter 7. Plyometrics With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 8. Speed and Agility Training With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 9. Reflexive Neuromuscular Training With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 10. Fitness Programs With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 11. Therapeutic Stretching With Elastic Resistance

Chapter 12. Integrated Uses of Elastic Resistance

Part IV. Sport-Specific Applications

Chapter 13. Sport-Specific Training for Football

Chapter 14. Sport-Specific Training for Baseball

Chapter 15. Sport-Specific Training for Tennis

Chapter 16. Sport-Specific Training for Golf

Chapter 17. Sport-Specific Training for Soccer

Chapter 18. Sport-Specific Training for Swimming

Chapter 19. Sport-Specific Training for Basketball

Chapter 20. Sport-Specific Training for Hockey

Chapter 21. Sport-Specific Training for Martial Arts

Chapter 22. Sport-Specific Training for Skiing

Part V. Special Populations

Chapter 23. Elastic Resistance Training for Older Adults

Chapter 24. Rehabilitation of Persons With Physical Disabilities

Chapter 25. Elastic Resistance Exercise for Chronic Disease

I think what interested me most in this book was the science backing the use of elastic resistance in both a clinical setting and a more general use. Since I use strength bands myself, I am always looking for science that will prove or disprove its value and how it compares to other forms of resistance.

One of the sections I was especially interested in was using elastic resistance training with older adults. I wish we could get more older people to use this form of exercise. After age thirty, people start losing muscle rapidly. And, in older people, this loss can actually be reversed with resistance training. In fact, according to the book, older people need resistance training "more" than aerobic training.

According to the book, in a study by Carpinelli and Otto 1998; Starkey et al. 1996, "With the exception of Berger's study, the literature indicated that a single set of resistance training is sufficient to result in strength gains (Graves, Pollock, and Forester 1990). To date no study has examined the efficacy of a single set versus multiple sets of resistance training with ETDs, although considering the similarities in strength gains observed between ETD and other types of resistance training, we can assume that a single set with an ETD would result in similar strength gains as multiple sets."

It recommends that to increase muscular strength in older adults, they should complete a single set of 8 to 12 reps. If, however, the goal is to increase muscular endurance, up to 3 sets of 20 to 25 reps is recommended.

I'd like to know what the recommendation is for a combination of the above. I didn't see that in the book.

There are lots of photos in the book. All black and white. All age appropriate. Seems the authors chose to use Thera-Bands for the exercises. To be sure, Thera-Band is well-known for helping with range of motion and is quite often a superior choice. There are, however, many other types of bands and tubing and I am not sure Thera-Band is the best choice in all cases. I know I use many different types of bands and tubing. But Thera-Band is used a good deal in the clinical setting.

The book starts out with the science behind the use of elastic band training. Then it goes into how to properly use the bands, the exercises and the different groups who will benefit from their use.

I think anyone in the business of helping people recover from illness or injury, preventing illness or injury or helping people to simply be fit, would do well to own this book.

Many people overlook the real value of elastic band training. Now, however, it's becoming quite popular and it's close to a sport with many people. It certainly has a valuable place in any fitness program.

This book is a true asset to anyone who wants to help others to gain fitness and overcome disability or limitations.

Highly recommended.

-- Susanna K. Hutcheson