Stability, Sport and Performance Movement: Great Technique Without Injury by Joanne Elphinston
Book Review by Stephen Mutch, Scotland Rugby Team Physiotherapist, Vice Chair, Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, Scottish Commonwealth Games Team Physiotherapist
This new book explores the concept of functional stability for sports performance from base movements and introductory level control through to its contribution to production of force and form in athletic activities. The book provides a bridge between sports medicine, sports science, coaches and athletes for the pursuit of efficiency in movement for performance as well as injury prevention. It is a resource that is marked for its ability to be dipped into and explored at a reader’s own pace suitable to their knowledge base, and be instantly helpful to all levels of experience.
The introduction of the book places the text at the forefront of contemporary physiotherapy and athlete development thinking, establishing the science behind the concepts and principles that are uncovered and investigated over the weighty 350 plus pages. The early chapters clearly describe and discuss how control of innate movement diversity is the greatest challenge to technical proficiency. The ensuing chapters will equip therapists and other professionals in sport to feel justifiably confident of their skills in movement analysis and development through structured and progressive exercise.
As you would anticipate from this author, the text is well presented, with excellent diagrams throughout, and a plethora of clear and simple photographs and demonstrations of tests and exercise progressions.
The challenge of a consistent assessment design for functional movement testing and mobility training is dealt with in a chapter that uses visual aids and numeric scoring to create a foundation profile of basic control. Observation is emphasised as a key component of the assessment, and critical errors are outlined and displayed, permitting a degree of conformity to the format and establishing a foundation for strategic pathways in sport.
In conclusion, this well-referenced book is rooted in science with complex themes, yet is readily accessible due to the straight forward terminology, layout and illustrations.
This will prove an indispensible resource for the pursuit of optimal athletic performance and the promotion of effective movement and efficiency whatever the level of activity and sport concerned.
