Practical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

Practical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant addresses the specific issues faced by the PTA student when studying the basics of human movement. By taking an introductory look at the foundation of biomechanics along with a clinical perspective of the application of skills, Jeff G. Konin has developed an outstanding text for the PTA classroom.

The responsibilities of the PTA have grown considerably. The goal of this book is to provide the PTA student with knowledge to enable him/her to recognize normal human movement and how interruptions to that normalcy can cause pathological conditions.

Initial chapters address terminology, biomechanical principles, joint structure and function, as well as muscle structure and function. An entire chapter is dedicated to providing valuable information on the principles of tissue repair. Subsequent chapters address individual body regions including: the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, spine and posture, the hip, knee, and ankle and foot. The final chapter discusses gait and how the PTA should approach understanding this complex topic in physical therapy. An appendix on muscles is included as well as an appendix for the student solving biomechanical equations of the trigonometric type.

Practical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant is organized in a very clear and straightforward style and format. Each chapter follows a consistent, easy-to-use format, including learning objectives and end of chapter study questions. Precise illustrations throughout the book demonstrate concepts in the text.

Practical Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant Laboratory Manual (150 pp, Soft Cover, 1999,ISBN 1-55642-419-1, Order# 44191, $14.95) complements this outstanding textbook. Written specifically for the student, this Lab Manual contains practical laboratory objectives, anatomical reviews, definitions, diagrams to be labeled, discussion questions, and classroom activities. A variety of learning tools provide a creative, fun outlet for the student to retain the material included in the textbook.

Karen Basista

This book provides a wide range of information and lab exercises including basic kinesiology/biomechanics, arthrokinematics, gait analysis, and a unique section dedicated to the healing process. Joints and muscles of the spine and extremities are detailed in individual chapters. The text and lab books are basic instructional tools specifically intended for the physical therapist assistant (PTA) student. The editor's objectives are valid, as there are a limited number of texts available at the PTA level for most subjects. Despite a few organizational shortcomings, the editor provides a valuable learning tool and clinical reference manual. The text and most notably the lab book are useful tools for the student acquiring a basic foundation in kinesiology in preparation for clinical practice. Although the material covered is applicable in all physical therapy settings, it is most closely related to the orthopedic specialty. The editor's background as a PTA program director lends credibility. The contributors provide additional educational backgrounds and their various orthopedic and athletic training input is evident in the text. Comprehensive physics principles and their application to biomechanics/kinesiology are presented. Each joint is outlined in its own chapter, providing characteristics, abnormalities, and clinical considerations for the PTA. Gait analysis is addressed as well as tissue repair. The most thoroughly covered topic is physics principles as applied to biomechanics. The visuals provided support the written text clearly. At the end of each chapter, questions are provided to further stimulate the learning process. The lab workbook accentuates hands-on learning andparallels the text adequately. There are two appendixes provided. Appendix A would be better suited as part of the individual chapters in which they are relevant. Appendix B, while informative, may be more relevant in a text intended for the physical therapist. The text is a useful guide and learning tool. Many otherwise confusing topics are clarified, however, the quality of the pictures could be clearer and labeled to support the written text.

Jeff G. Konin, MEd, ATC, MPT

Jeff G. Konin, MEd, ATC, MPT is a licensed physical therapist and a certified athletic trainer who currently serves as an instructor in the physical therapist assistant program at the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown, Del, and President of Coastal Health Consultants, PA in Lewes, Del. Mr. Konin received his Bachelor of Science from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Master of Education from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware.

Mr. Konin is also the textbook editor of Clinical Athletic Training, and co-editor of Special Tests For Orthopedic Examination. He has contributed to numerous textbook chapters, sits on the advisory and/or editorial boards for a number of sports medicine related publications, and has given hundreds of presentations all over the world on various topics related to physical therapy and athletic training. In 1996, he served on the track and field medical staff for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.