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Anatomy and Human Movement
Book reviews
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga A manual for students, teachers and practitioners
Body and Breath Inc, USA. Available from the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, 70 Claremont Road, London W13 0DG (tel 020 8991 80900) (ISBN 0 9707006 0 1). Illus. 600 pages by H David Coulter £28 This 600-page book is a serious and very absorbing text, describing and explaining in detail the anatomy and physiology of the yoga movements. It is written with the intention of combining modern scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the ancient practice of hatha yoga in trying to bring to a wider audience the value and acceptability of yoga. The book explains hatha yoga in demystified, scientific terms while at the same time honouring its traditions. Yoga is described as neither exercise nor religion, but a science. and this book goes a long way to proving that. The book describes clearly how to do the yoga postures and using anatomically precise terminology and excellent diagrams, objectively analyses how these postures interact with the body systems. The book begins with setting the philosophical tone and
Anatomy and Human Movement Structure and function
Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford 2002, 4th edn (ISBN 0 7506 241). 678 pages by Nigel Palastanga, Derek Field and Roger Soames £47.50 In order to obtain the best results for patients, health professionals in whatever sphere they are working need a sound basic knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human body combined with practical application of this knowledge when assessing movement or function in health, disease or trauma. There are many simplified or detailed anatomy textbooks and coloured atlases which show the structure of the body, but the purpose of this textbook as stated in the preface to the first edition is to combine structure and function in a way not previously found in print. In the preface to the fourth edition (being reviewed) two changes were made. Colour shading gives students a more visual impression of the muscles and their actions, and
571
suggesting the mental and physical approach to the postures. Ten chapters follow, the first three fundamental to the last seven. Chapter 1 is a detailed description of the musculoskeletal system and its control by the nervous system and their use during yoga. Breathing patterns and exercises are described in detail as the manner of breathing is fundamental to yoga movement and to posture. This is followed by pelvic and abdominal exercises, as they form the foundation of the body for posture and movement. Standing postures follow, with more spinal anatomy, and complex movements. The last two chapters are devoted to relaxation and meditation postures, effects of the autonomic and muscular systems. Each chapter gives detailed descriptions of how the body is used in specific yoga exercises and the physiological effects. The author, Dr David Coulter, a former anatomy professor and research associate at two major American medical schools who has been practising yoga since 1974, is well qualified to write this book. He achieves his aim of correlating his understanding of yoga with accepted principles of biomedical science. The content is highly detailed and descriptive and is presented clearly. This book will be of interest to yoga teachers, physiotherapists, other therapists, and hopefully to sympathetic doctors who wish to understand how the body responds to exercise and stretching and the deeper effects of yoga. Susan Hollenbery MCSP
diagrams have been introduced at relevant points in the text. Both changes were made to assist a problem-solving approach and independent learning. The book has an attractive front cover, and is pleasant to handle and of reasonable weight. The paper quality, type size and print are good. It is perfect bound. The book is divided into eight sections, each with a clear heading. The contents of each section are clearly given in the contents index at the beginning of the book; there is an alphabetical index at the back. Diagrams have strong lines and are adequately labelled. Radiographs are remarkably clear. The introductory section 1 and sections 2 and 7 introduce their subject matter well. Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 deal with the musculoskeletal system in upper and lower limbs, head, neck and trunk, and here the aim of the authors is clearly recognisable. Each section follows the same pattern. The structure of bone is followed by muscle attachments to bone. The joints over which the muscle works are then described followed by nerve and blood supply. It is here that, included for the first time together, palpation, surface anatomy, muscle action and function and analysis of movement are linked to the underlying structures in spite of the skin acting as a barrier. The difference Physiotherapy September 2002/vol 88/no 9
572
between the function of the upper and lower limb is clearly shown. The colour shading considerably helps the visual interpretation of muscle activity. Commendably in the joint section, students are introduced to stresses and strains in bones and forces acting across joints in an introduction to biomechanics, which is a relatively new approach for physiotherapy students. Section 8 for me was compulsive reading. The text is concise, no extra word is needed, and diagrams are simplified, for a far from simple subject. It was possible to apply the knowledge to neurological conditions brought about by disease or trauma and to understand why alterations in human movement occurred. I cannot praise this section too highly.
Illustrated Orthopedic Physical Assessment Mosby, St Louis 2001, 2nd edn (ISBN 0 323 00509 8). Illus. 1036 pages by Ronald C Evans £62.95 Ronald C Evans is a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, USA. This hard-backed A4 book of more than 1,000 glossy pages with 1,546 illustrations is aimed at both students and practising clinicians in orthopaedics. The second edition has increased information on assessment, additional illustrations and ‘orthopedic gamuts’, which are the author’s term for small and useful tables used to highlight key points in diagnosis. A similar format is used for his ‘diagnostic statements’ of physical test and for ‘clinical pearls’, his empirical views on the tests. In the preface, the reader is advised to become familiar with chapters 1 and 2 on assessment and signs and symptoms, before dipping into the ten chapters covering the anatomical regions. I read the two chapters and found a mistake in each one. On page 2 the reader is encouraged to seek answers to the ‘critical five’ questions in orthopaedics, but the table lists only four! The second chapter describes a valgus deformity as a deviation of the distal bone of a joint laterally or outwards, and uses hallux valgus as an example, but incorrectly describes the first metatarsal as the distal bone outwardly deviating from the foot. My impression of the first two chapters was of too much detail on rheumatology and neurology at the expense of orthopaedic medicine. Although the principles of assessment are covered, the examples are invariably of conditions uncommon in orthopaedics. For example joint swelling concentrates on rheumatological conditions and erythema gives detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus. Bladder control describes incontinence and other disturbances as being manifestations of spinal cord disease, but does not include the compromised S4 root in Physiotherapy September 2002/vol 88/no 9
Altogether I found the book very readable, informative and up to date. It encourages students to research. I think the authors have achieved their objectives. It certainly does fill a gap. I am pleased that the book sets a high value on practical skills. My one criticism is that the important word ‘palpation’ eg as on page 324, is not indexed. The introduction of biomechanics in joints gives a stimulus and encouragement to any students contemplating research. It is a useful basic reference book for physiotherapists and physiotherapy departments, and for anyone interested in movement in health, disease or injury. Kathleen M Hilliar BSc MCSP DipTP
central disc lesions, nor is it included in the lumbar spine chapter. Each regional chapter follows the same format, starting with a list of the physical tests and cross-referenced tables by test and by tissue affected. After a short introduction, essential anatomy is clearly described and illustrated, followed by essential motion and functional assessment. Joint range and isometric muscle testing are well illustrated in black and white photographs throughout and the narrative is clear. Essential imaging follows. Finally the tests are visited alphabetically, clearly explained and illustrated in black and white photographs. The ‘gamuts’, ‘statements’ and ‘pearls’ allow readers to familiarise themselves quickly with the tests. The regional chapters do not however lend themselves to systematic assessment. Many of the principles in the first two chapters are not revisited specifically. There is little on observation, passive movement, end-feel and functional assessment, less on joint-play and accessory movements. The alphabetical arrangement of tests would not support the sequential examination of a patient, necessitating the reader to search the text to find the appropriate physical test. This makes it difficult to see if everything is covered. I found no illustrated test for acromioclavicular joint sprain, yet one would expect the testing of this often-forgotten joint to be included in an illustrated orthopaedic book. I am concerned about what is missing in this book. I also feel its organisation does not support the examination process, particularly for students and for clinicians new to the specialty. Indications and implications of all red flags should be clearly dealt with systematically. The material for each chapter should be comprehensive. If your department is looking for a book that describes a large number of physical tests, this book may be for you. However, there are books available that do have a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessment and diagnosis, which include well illustrated and logically presented tests, that will assist the clinician in a structured approach to decision-making. Liz Saunders PhD MSc MCSP
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga A manual for students, teachers and practitioners
Body and Breath Inc, USA. Available from the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, 70 Claremont Road, London W13 0DG (tel 020 8991 80900) (ISBN 0 9707006 0 1). Illus. 600 pages by H David Coulter £28 This 600-page book is a serious and very absorbing text, describing and explaining in detail the anatomy and physiology of the yoga movements. It is written with the intention of combining modern scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the ancient practice of hatha yoga in trying to bring to a wider audience the value and acceptability of yoga. The book explains hatha yoga in demystified, scientific terms while at the same time honouring its traditions. Yoga is described as neither exercise nor religion, but a science. and this book goes a long way to proving that. The book describes clearly how to do the yoga postures and using anatomically precise terminology and excellent diagrams, objectively analyses how these postures interact with the body systems. The book begins with setting the philosophical tone and
Anatomy and Human Movement Structure and function
Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford 2002, 4th edn (ISBN 0 7506 241). 678 pages by Nigel Palastanga, Derek Field and Roger Soames £47.50 In order to obtain the best results for patients, health professionals in whatever sphere they are working need a sound basic knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human body combined with practical application of this knowledge when assessing movement or function in health, disease or trauma. There are many simplified or detailed anatomy textbooks and coloured atlases which show the structure of the body, but the purpose of this textbook as stated in the preface to the first edition is to combine structure and function in a way not previously found in print. In the preface to the fourth edition (being reviewed) two changes were made. Colour shading gives students a more visual impression of the muscles and their actions, and
571
suggesting the mental and physical approach to the postures. Ten chapters follow, the first three fundamental to the last seven. Chapter 1 is a detailed description of the musculoskeletal system and its control by the nervous system and their use during yoga. Breathing patterns and exercises are described in detail as the manner of breathing is fundamental to yoga movement and to posture. This is followed by pelvic and abdominal exercises, as they form the foundation of the body for posture and movement. Standing postures follow, with more spinal anatomy, and complex movements. The last two chapters are devoted to relaxation and meditation postures, effects of the autonomic and muscular systems. Each chapter gives detailed descriptions of how the body is used in specific yoga exercises and the physiological effects. The author, Dr David Coulter, a former anatomy professor and research associate at two major American medical schools who has been practising yoga since 1974, is well qualified to write this book. He achieves his aim of correlating his understanding of yoga with accepted principles of biomedical science. The content is highly detailed and descriptive and is presented clearly. This book will be of interest to yoga teachers, physiotherapists, other therapists, and hopefully to sympathetic doctors who wish to understand how the body responds to exercise and stretching and the deeper effects of yoga. Susan Hollenbery MCSP
diagrams have been introduced at relevant points in the text. Both changes were made to assist a problem-solving approach and independent learning. The book has an attractive front cover, and is pleasant to handle and of reasonable weight. The paper quality, type size and print are good. It is perfect bound. The book is divided into eight sections, each with a clear heading. The contents of each section are clearly given in the contents index at the beginning of the book; there is an alphabetical index at the back. Diagrams have strong lines and are adequately labelled. Radiographs are remarkably clear. The introductory section 1 and sections 2 and 7 introduce their subject matter well. Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 deal with the musculoskeletal system in upper and lower limbs, head, neck and trunk, and here the aim of the authors is clearly recognisable. Each section follows the same pattern. The structure of bone is followed by muscle attachments to bone. The joints over which the muscle works are then described followed by nerve and blood supply. It is here that, included for the first time together, palpation, surface anatomy, muscle action and function and analysis of movement are linked to the underlying structures in spite of the skin acting as a barrier. The difference Physiotherapy September 2002/vol 88/no 9
572
between the function of the upper and lower limb is clearly shown. The colour shading considerably helps the visual interpretation of muscle activity. Commendably in the joint section, students are introduced to stresses and strains in bones and forces acting across joints in an introduction to biomechanics, which is a relatively new approach for physiotherapy students. Section 8 for me was compulsive reading. The text is concise, no extra word is needed, and diagrams are simplified, for a far from simple subject. It was possible to apply the knowledge to neurological conditions brought about by disease or trauma and to understand why alterations in human movement occurred. I cannot praise this section too highly.
Illustrated Orthopedic Physical Assessment Mosby, St Louis 2001, 2nd edn (ISBN 0 323 00509 8). Illus. 1036 pages by Ronald C Evans £62.95 Ronald C Evans is a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, USA. This hard-backed A4 book of more than 1,000 glossy pages with 1,546 illustrations is aimed at both students and practising clinicians in orthopaedics. The second edition has increased information on assessment, additional illustrations and ‘orthopedic gamuts’, which are the author’s term for small and useful tables used to highlight key points in diagnosis. A similar format is used for his ‘diagnostic statements’ of physical test and for ‘clinical pearls’, his empirical views on the tests. In the preface, the reader is advised to become familiar with chapters 1 and 2 on assessment and signs and symptoms, before dipping into the ten chapters covering the anatomical regions. I read the two chapters and found a mistake in each one. On page 2 the reader is encouraged to seek answers to the ‘critical five’ questions in orthopaedics, but the table lists only four! The second chapter describes a valgus deformity as a deviation of the distal bone of a joint laterally or outwards, and uses hallux valgus as an example, but incorrectly describes the first metatarsal as the distal bone outwardly deviating from the foot. My impression of the first two chapters was of too much detail on rheumatology and neurology at the expense of orthopaedic medicine. Although the principles of assessment are covered, the examples are invariably of conditions uncommon in orthopaedics. For example joint swelling concentrates on rheumatological conditions and erythema gives detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus. Bladder control describes incontinence and other disturbances as being manifestations of spinal cord disease, but does not include the compromised S4 root in Physiotherapy September 2002/vol 88/no 9
Altogether I found the book very readable, informative and up to date. It encourages students to research. I think the authors have achieved their objectives. It certainly does fill a gap. I am pleased that the book sets a high value on practical skills. My one criticism is that the important word ‘palpation’ eg as on page 324, is not indexed. The introduction of biomechanics in joints gives a stimulus and encouragement to any students contemplating research. It is a useful basic reference book for physiotherapists and physiotherapy departments, and for anyone interested in movement in health, disease or injury. Kathleen M Hilliar BSc MCSP DipTP
central disc lesions, nor is it included in the lumbar spine chapter. Each regional chapter follows the same format, starting with a list of the physical tests and cross-referenced tables by test and by tissue affected. After a short introduction, essential anatomy is clearly described and illustrated, followed by essential motion and functional assessment. Joint range and isometric muscle testing are well illustrated in black and white photographs throughout and the narrative is clear. Essential imaging follows. Finally the tests are visited alphabetically, clearly explained and illustrated in black and white photographs. The ‘gamuts’, ‘statements’ and ‘pearls’ allow readers to familiarise themselves quickly with the tests. The regional chapters do not however lend themselves to systematic assessment. Many of the principles in the first two chapters are not revisited specifically. There is little on observation, passive movement, end-feel and functional assessment, less on joint-play and accessory movements. The alphabetical arrangement of tests would not support the sequential examination of a patient, necessitating the reader to search the text to find the appropriate physical test. This makes it difficult to see if everything is covered. I found no illustrated test for acromioclavicular joint sprain, yet one would expect the testing of this often-forgotten joint to be included in an illustrated orthopaedic book. I am concerned about what is missing in this book. I also feel its organisation does not support the examination process, particularly for students and for clinicians new to the specialty. Indications and implications of all red flags should be clearly dealt with systematically. The material for each chapter should be comprehensive. If your department is looking for a book that describes a large number of physical tests, this book may be for you. However, there are books available that do have a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessment and diagnosis, which include well illustrated and logically presented tests, that will assist the clinician in a structured approach to decision-making. Liz Saunders PhD MSc MCSP