In review: High-performance training for sports

This book is a complete guide for those involved in athletic conditioning. It will be especially useful to physiotherapists who train elite athletes, as it gives readers an insight into the multidisciplinary teamwork needed in modern, athlete-centred approaches.

 

There are three parts: building robust athletes, developing athletic capacity and delivering performance. Each chapter is written by a well-known expert in fitness and conditioning. Covering the majority of areas involved in training, the text highlights the importance of the process that supports the individual athlete. While in sport the honours may go to an individual, victory is the result of the success of the team of people supporting the athlete. The editors’ belief that ‘the ideal training environment encompasses the development of physical, technical and tactical skills within an organisational culture that is uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence’ is a theme running through the text.

 

Reaching out to those working with athletes, the format is both easy to read and understand. It focuses on the practical application of ideas and the fundamental processes involved in developing athletes, backed by evidence of research by leaders in the world of fitness and conditioning. 

 

Throughout, the content is supported by helpful illustrations and diagrams, useful in what is a very practical-based field. There are a number of sample training programmes that would be useful for those who are new to conditioning athletes and easily adapted by those with more experience. 

 

The foreword, written by the renowned Mark Verstagen, founder and president of EXOS (formally Athletes Performance), gives a good indication of the subject matter. 

 

This clear, practical and evidence-based textbook would be invaluable for those looking to improve their knowledge and practice of physical conditioning. Geoff Scott, head physio, Tottenham Hotspur FC

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This book is described as being an essential resource on the rationale and practicalities of physiotherapy for people with respiratory and cardiac disorders. The publisher says it aims to provide a clear, problem-solving approach.

Billed as an ideal resource for those entering healthcare and an excellent professional reference, this US publication helps readers learn specific procedures and general rules relating to good body mechanics, patient handling and safety. Topics include patient positioning.

This book aims to help readers to spot signs and symptoms that can compromise patient care, and offers a consistent, three-step model for monitoring patients for red flags relating to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems.