Stretching the limits: Breakthroughs in sports science that create superathletes - Hardcover

YA In a thoroughly researched book, Torrey examines how technology has led to vast improvements in athletic equipment and training, two factors which are allowing athletes to stretch limits once thought unstretchable. Each chapter is devoted to a single sport, looking at such aspects as equipment, training and the anatomy, physiology and psychology of athletes. In each chapter Torrey discusses the injuries most common to that sport. Excellent drawings of anatomical structure accompany each section. In discussions of equipment, he includes pertinent safety information. He also describes the role of computers in sports. The accompanying charts, diagrams and photos aid in understanding the text, and the anecdotes make the book personable and readable. This is a well-documented book, and it can be faulted only in its scant coverage of female athletes. Useful for research or browsing. Pam Spencer, Mount Vernon High School Library, Fairfax, Va.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Torrey provides an overview of how high technology has influenced athletic performance in recent years. Nowhere has the impact been greater than in training methods and the development of equipment. Surprisingly, it is the am ateur rather than the professional who has benefited most (e.g., the oversize tennis racket). Negatives like blood doping and the ``doctoring'' of base balls are noted. Chapters are devoted to each major sport and related scientific contributions. A more popular treat ment of the topic can be found in New ton at the Bat , edited by Eric Schrier and William F. Allman ( LJ 5/15/84), a more applied approach in James Fixx's Maximum Sports Performance ( LJ 4/1/ 85). William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers- Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.