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Excerpt
Peter J. Maud and Carl Foster (Eds.)
Physiological Assessment of Human Fitness is a compendium of physical fitness assessment methods directed toward testing the general population. This edited text is composed of 14 chapters of “gold standard” physical assessment methods as well as some of the most recent“state of the art” developments in determining fitness and health status. Virtually every author in this text is recognized as an outstanding researcher and major contributor to the field of exercise physiology.
The text includes techniques for measuring muscular strength and mechanical power, numerous methods for determining body composition and applying anthropometry, and methods for evaluating joint range of motion. There is well-written and concise information pertaining to the direct determination of aerobic power and measurement of pulmonary gas exchange. Furthermore, the text is replete with excellent graphs and tables, which clearly illustrate important physiological principles. In addition to the obvious use of this text, that is, to teach essential physiological assessment methods, much of the information in this text could be used as adjunct material in any undergraduate or graduate level exercise physiology class. Additionally, an outstanding chapter on muscle structure and function addresses the intricacies of the muscle biopsy in great detail, which allows students to appreciate the purposes of this invasive procedure without actually ever performing the test.
An interesting feature of this text is the opening and closing chapters. The first chapter addresses important principles in selecting various assessment methods as well as the historical perspectives involved in the assessment of the general fitness components. In essence, this chapter provides an overview of the ensuing chapters. The final chapter addresses statistical principles that are essential for developing an effective research plan. Examples include research design issues, measurement sensitivity and statistical power, and internal and external validity concerns. The authors of this chapter also provide an excellent reference section that would be a useful tool for any student interested in conducting research.
In summary, this text is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate students as a reference for concise descriptions of a wide range of physiological assessments performed in the laboratory, and in the field, to establish levels of fitness in the general population.
