595

Health Research in Practice - volume 2: Personal experiences, public issues edited by Derek Colquhoun and Allan Kellehear. Chapman and Hall, London, 1995 (ISBN 0 412 62330 7). 204 pages. E 1 7.99.

Reflections on personal experience form the basic structure of this book, presented like extended essays. Ethical and potential tensions, and especially the external influences on these, are key themes to the chapters. Most chapters are written by Australians and therefore reflect the health care organisation of their country. However, they are presented in such a way that the challenges experi- enced by the different contributing authors are of interest to those engaged in health research. These

critical reflections on research prac- tice form the basis of a defence against ethically and politically naive research. The authors’ experi- ences of dealing with the external pressures which may govern research are well presented. This will help readers t o reflect on their own experiences. Particular issues of interest cover the politics of university life, competitive grant

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applications and managing research teams.

Volume 1 looked principally at the phenomenological method, surveys and the historical approach t o health research. This one discusses the techniques of memory work, the study of existing sources and the use of interviewing. There is an interesting debate a t the end of the book around the notion of medical- isation and the tendency to bio- medical ideas when addressing childbirth, nutrition and health promotion.

I would recommend this book as a resource for a library and suggest it would be of particular interest to those engaged in social science research, health promotion and health education.

Tracy Bury MSc MCSP

Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport by Skip Hunter PT ATC, Michael G Dolan MA ATC CSCS and John M Davies PT ATC. Human Kinetics (Europe), PO Box 1 W14, Leeds LS16 6TR, 1995 (ISBN 0 87322 829 4). Illus. 141 pages. f28.50.

This book is written by dual quali- fied athletic trainers and physical therapists. It is designed as a prac- tical guide in the fabrication of orthotics and the choice of devices. The authors stress from the outset that they are not podiatrists and aim t o guide the clinician as to which conditions are appropriate to attempt temporary orthoses and which should be referred on for more permanent specialist devices.

It is also quite refreshing to note the comments early in the text that ‘orthotics are not the panacea of all ills’ and ‘should always be accom- panied by appropriate therapy, rehabilitation, medical intervention and modification of activity’.

The book seems generally quite well referenced using both older and more recent literature. One chapter is basically a literature review covering work from some well-respected sources. There is an introduction to orthotics, covering different types with indications for their use, and a useful section explaining the different termin- ology.

The section on foot biomechanics related t o lower limb pathology gives quite clear explanations of how varying foot mechanisms can

influence symptoms in the lower limb. It is made more effective by use of diagrams and organisational charts without excessive use of complex podiatric terms.

The section on biome- chanical assessment is equally as clear with use of a combination of diagrams and black and white photographs. These demonstrate app- ropriate patient position- ing, finding sub-talar neutral and measuring anomalies.

However, the section on gait analysis was surprisingly small, con- taining little mention or description of kine- matic analysis.

Phalanges

Metatarsall

First

There is a fairly large section devoted t o the fabrication of orthotics; including chapters on materials, casting, rigid and semi- rigid orthotics, adaptations for various conditions and a limited section on commercial systems. The final chapter discusses potential problems with orthotics including a good guide to faults and how to solve some of the secondary symptoms which might develop.

I found the book both informative and readable. It would probably be more suitable for a clinician with an interest in orthotics who is just

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The bones of the foot as illustrated in ‘Foot Orthotics in Therapy and Sport’

starting to develop clinical skills in this area. The authors have inten- tionally limited the jargon to keep it simple. The book would therefore be too basic a text for those with more experience in the field.

At 228.50 it is affordable both to an individual and departmental library. This book would be a useful adjunct for anyone starting to work through the sometimes confusing and conflicting literature in this area.

Nicola Phillips MCSP

Physiotherapy, October 1996, vol82, no 10