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=BOOKS & MEDIA-

ADAPTED PHYSICALACTIVITY QUARTERLY, 1991,8,178
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Clinical Assessment Procedures in Physical Therapy

By M. Lynn Palmer and Marcia Epler. Published 1990 by J.B. Lippincott,
E. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19105. (378 pp.)

Reviewed by Jeff Monroe, Intercollegiate Athletics, Michigan State University

Palmer and Epler have done an outstanding job of organizing and presenting a
solid text that teaches clinical assessment skills. Beginning with gross evaluations
and principles of examination techniques, they have given the-reader a natural
progression of the needed skills. The anatomy of the upper extremities is dis-
cussed next, followed by the trunk, spine, and lower extremities.
Each chapter is divided into five anatomically oriented sections beginning
with goniometry, functional muscle testing, manual muscle testing, clinical tests,
and joint play techniques. The goniometric section is probably the best ever done
in a book of this kind. It is both easy to understand and practical in application.
Easy reference points are used in the placement of goniometers and measuring
tapes, and starting and ending points are indicated.
The chapter section on functional muscle testing, manual muscle testing,
and clinical tests fits well within the scheme of this book. Thev ~rovideaccurate
d L

and concise information that the clinician can use in the assessment process.
Excellent pictures are used to show the proper positioning of the patient for
special tests. Each is demonstrated using the proper protocol and the results are
discussed with the findings consistent with a positive test. Closing each chapter
is a section on joint play or accessory movements. Accurate directions are given
to enable the practitioner to perform the techniques necessary to increase joint
ranee
" of motion.
Appendix A offers a complete section of forms used to record objective
findings. These will allow practitioners an opportunity to upgrade their forms
and to reinforce other documentation techniques presently used. Appendix B is
a chapter-by-chapter list of examination questions. Questions are multiple choice
and are complete in covering the material in each chapter. The text ends with an
accurate, cross-referenced index to allow quick access to the material.
Clinical Assessment Procedures in Physical i%erapy is a great resource
and reference for those working with physically impaired and injured individuals.
Orthopedists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers alike will
find it most useful in their practices.