This book provides a unique and succinct account of the history of health and fitness, responding to the growing recognition of physicians, policy makers and the general public that exercise is the most potent form of medicine available to humankind. Individual chapters present information extending from the earliest reaches of human history to the present day, arranged in the form of 30 thematic essays covering topics from the supposed idyll of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and its posited health benefits to the evolution of health professionals and the possible contribution of the Olympic movement to health and fitness in our current society. Learning objectives are set for each topic, and although technical language is avoided as far as possible, a thorough glossary explains any specialized terms that are introduced in each chapter. The critical thinking of the reader is stimulated by a range of questions arising from the text context, and each chapter concludes with a brief discussion of some of the more important implications for public policies on health and fitness today and into the future. The material will be of particular interest to graduate and undergraduate students in public health, health promotion, health policy, kinesiology, physical education, but will be of interest also to many studying medicine, history and sociology.

This book examines the new knowledge that has been gained from the objective monitoring of habitual physical activity by means of pedometers and accelerometers. It reviews current advances in the technology of activity monitoring and details advantages of objective monitors relative to physical activity questionnaires. It points to continuing gaps in knowledge, and explores the potential for further advances in the design of objective monitoring devices. Epidemiologists have studied relationships between questionnaire assessments of habitual physical activity and various medical conditions for some seventy years. In general, they have observed positive associations between regular exercise and good health, but because of inherent limitations in the reliability and accuracy of physical activity questionnaires, optimal exercise recommendations for the prevention and treatment of disease have remained unclear. Inexpensive pedometers and accelerometers now offer the epidemiologist the potential to collect relatively precisely graded and objective information on the volume, intensity and patterns of effort that people are undertaking, to relate this data to past and future health experience, and to establish dose/response relationships between physical activity and the various components of health. Such information is important both in assessing the causal nature of the observed associations and in establishing evidence-based recommendations concerning the minimal levels of daily physical activity needed to maintain good health.

This book examines the health/fitness interaction in an historical context. Beginning in primitive hunter-gatherer communities, where survival required adequate physical activity, it goes on to consider changes in health and physical activity at subsequent stages in the evolution of "civilization." It focuses on the health impacts of a growing understanding of medicine and physiology, and the emergence of a middle-class with the time and money to choose between active and passive leisure pursuits. The book reflects on urbanization and industrialization in relation to the need for public health measures, and the ever-diminishing physical demands of the work-place. It then evaluates the attitudes of prelates, politicians, philosophers and teachers at each stage of the process. Finally, the book explores professional and governmental initiatives to increase public involvement in active leisure through various school, worksite, recreational and sports programmes.

The organs of the gastro-intestinal tract play an essential role in sustained physical activity, but their consideration in exercise-related literature has, to this point, been limited. Physical Activity and the Gastro-Intestinal Tract is the first book to explain the function and response to exercise of the gastro-intestinal system, in cases of both health and disease, and helps to shed light on the role they play in acute and chronic exercise. Professor Roy Shephard synthesises previously disparate research to explain the physiology, function, pathology of disease and role of exercise in both health and chronic disease, covering topics including: physical activity and the oesophagus gastro-duodenal function and physical activity physical activity and peptic ulcers physical activity and gastro-oesophageal cancers physical activity and the function of the large bowel physical activity and chronic intestinal inflammation. With each chapter including a thorough bibliography and signposts to further reading, Physical Activity and the Gastro-Intestinal Tract provides a complete reference for understanding how exercise affects the function of the digestive organs. It is an important text for academics and upper-level students in sports medicine and exercise physiology, and for health professionals in preventative medicine.

Physical Activity and the Abdominal Viscera is the first book to examine the response of the visceral organs to acute and chronic physical activity, in cases of both health and disease. Bringing together a previously disparate body of research, Professor Roy Shephard sets out the physiology, function during exercise, pathology of disease, and role of physical activity in preventing and managing disease in the visceral organs. Working systematically through the viscera, the book first identifies the response to exercise and pathologies of the liver, gall bladder and biliary tract, then goes on to examine the function of the kidneys and bladder, and finally covers issues including the spleen, sickle cell disease and prostate cancer. Providing a clear and well-structured guide to the relationship between the visceral organs and physical activity, Physical Activity and the Abdominal Viscera is a vital reference text for academics and upper-level students in sports medicine and clinical exercise physiology, and for health professionals in preventive medicine.

Optimizing Physical Performance During Fasting and Dietary Restriction examines the effects of sustained fasting and food restrictions on metabolism and physical performance in athletes. It provides broad coverage including both religious and non-religious fasting and dietary restrictions. This practical and evidence-based guide outlines recent findings from peer-reviewed literature as well as original experiments conducted by the authors, who are experts in the supervision of athletes during fasting. The book presents findings and information simply and clearly and also summarizes implications for athletes. Written in an accessible style, each chapter reviews 30 to 100 investigations and also includes relevant citations, teaching objectives, definitions of key terms, summary of key points, practical implications for athletes, and questions for discussion

Physical Activity and the Abdominal Viscera is the first book to examine the response of the visceral organs to acute and chronic physical activity, in cases of both health and disease. Bringing together a previously disparate body of research, Professor Roy Shephard sets out the physiology, function during exercise, pathology of disease, and role of physical activity in preventing and managing disease in the visceral organs. Working systematically through the viscera, the book first identifies the response to exercise and pathologies of the liver, gall bladder and biliary tract, then goes on to examine the function of the kidneys and bladder, and finally covers issues including the spleen, sickle cell disease and prostate cancer. Providing a clear and well-structured guide to the relationship between the visceral organs and physical activity, Physical Activity and the Abdominal Viscera is a vital reference text for academics and upper-level students in sports medicine and clinical exercise physiology, and for health professionals in preventive medicine.

The organs of the gastro-intestinal tract play an essential role in sustained physical activity, but their consideration in exercise-related literature has, to this point, been limited. Physical Activity and the Gastro-Intestinal Tract is the first book to explain the function and response to exercise of the gastro-intestinal system, in cases of both health and disease, and helps to shed light on the role they play in acute and chronic exercise. Professor Roy Shephard synthesises previously disparate research to explain the physiology, function, pathology of disease and role of exercise in both health and chronic disease, covering topics including: physical activity and the oesophagus gastro-duodenal function and physical activity physical activity and peptic ulcers physical activity and gastro-oesophageal cancers physical activity and the function of the large bowel physical activity and chronic intestinal inflammation. With each chapter including a thorough bibliography and signposts to further reading, Physical Activity and the Gastro-Intestinal Tract provides a complete reference for understanding how exercise affects the function of the digestive organs. It is an important text for academics and upper-level students in sports medicine and exercise physiology, and for health professionals in preventative medicine.

Why do women live longer than men? Does ownership of paired X chromosomes confer more prolonged survival on females, or is the gender difference in life-expectancy a cumulative consequence of differing life experiences for women and men? The areas of gender differences in aging, functional capacity, and the response to physical activity have often been the basis for speculation rather than informed judgment.

Gender, Physical Activity, and Aging draws upon the sound knowledge base of leading investigators to provide objective, evidence-based evaluations of particular facets of the aging process. Focusing on gender differences, it examines the rate of aging, loss of functional capacity, disability, and the quality of life among the elderly and presents evidence of potential modification through physical activity and lifestyle.

This book examines the health/fitness interaction in an historical context. Beginning in primitive hunter-gatherer communities, where survival required adequate physical activity, it goes on to consider changes in health and physical activity at subsequent stages in the evolution of "civilization." It focuses on the health impacts of a growing understanding of medicine and physiology, and the emergence of a middle-class with the time and money to choose between active and passive leisure pursuits. The book reflects on urbanization and industrialization in relation to the need for public health measures, and the ever-diminishing physical demands of the work-place. It then evaluates the attitudes of prelates, politicians, philosophers and teachers at each stage of the process. Finally, the book explores professional and governmental initiatives to increase public involvement in active leisure through various school, worksite, recreational and sports programmes.

What are the health consequences of a transition from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living? In this book, the impact of 'modernization' is assessed in various populations in the circumpolar regions. The hazards of living in polar regions, and the adaptations shown culturally, behaviourally and physically by the indigenous peoples are examined and the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general lifestyle due to more urban living patterns on the body composition, pulmonary function and susceptibility to disease discussed. The implications of this switch are important not only for all those concerned about the survival of indigenous communities around the world, but for all of us living in an increasingly sedentary, urban environment. Anthropologists, physiologists and those interested in population fitness will find this a comprehensive and valuable volume.

Why do women live longer than men? Does ownership of paired X chromosomes confer more prolonged survival on females, or is the gender difference in life-expectancy a cumulative consequence of differing life experiences for women and men? The areas of gender differences in aging, functional capacity, and the response to physical activity have often been the basis for speculation rather than informed judgment. Gender, Physical Activity, and Aging draws upon the sound knowledge base of leading investigators to provide objective, evidence-based evaluations of particular facets of the aging process. Focusing on gender differences, it examines the rate of aging, loss of functional capacity, disability, and the quality of life among the elderly and presents evidence of potential modification through physical activity and lifestyle.

This volume provides a thought-provoking perspective on the empirical and analytic study of body form and composition. The techniques used for measuring body components such as fat, water, lean tissue, bone mass and bone density are evaluated against potential 'gold standards'. The nature of regional differences, developmental changes, pathological abnormalities, and the impact of heredity and environment in shaping body composition are discussed in the context of human evolution. All those concerned with biological anthropology, both clinicians and researchers, will find this book of great interest.

In this book, the authors assess the impact of "modernization" on various populations in the circumpolar regions. They examine the adaptations shown culturally, behaviorally, and physically by the indigenous peoples, and discuss the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general life style due to more urban living patterns on body composition, pulmonary function and susceptibility to disease.

This volume provides a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary perspective on the empirical and analytic study of body composition and the techniques used for measuring body components, such as fat, water, muscle, and bone mass and density. The nature of regional differences, developmental changes, pathological abnormalities, and the impact of heredity and environment in shaping body composition are discussed in the context of human evolution. For instance, the author looks at how growth, aging, and exposure to heat, cold, excess or lack of nourishment modify normal body composition.

This book examines the new knowledge that has been gained from the objective monitoring of habitual physical activity by means of pedometers and accelerometers. It reviews current advances in the technology of activity monitoring and details advantages of objective monitors relative to physical activity questionnaires. It points to continuing gaps in knowledge, and explores the potential for further advances in the design of objective monitoring devices. Epidemiologists have studied relationships between questionnaire assessments of habitual physical activity and various medical conditions for some seventy years. In general, they have observed positive associations between regular exercise and good health, but because of inherent limitations in the reliability and accuracy of physical activity questionnaires, optimal exercise recommendations for the prevention and treatment of disease have remained unclear. Inexpensive pedometers and accelerometers now offer the epidemiologist the potential to collect relatively precisely graded and objective information on the volume, intensity and patterns of effort that people are undertaking, to relate this data to past and future health experience, and to establish dose/response relationships between physical activity and the various components of health. Such information is important both in assessing the causal nature of the observed associations and in establishing evidence-based recommendations concerning the minimal levels of daily physical activity needed to maintain good health.

The Year Book of Sports Medicine brings you abstracts of articles carefully selected from more than 500 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice. Editor-in-Chief Roy Shephard states: ". . . Not only does a team of top international experts select the very best articles from a bewildering plethora of recent information, but their expert critique of the individual papers allows readers to weigh their limitations and understand findings that can enhance their current medical practice." There's no faster or easier way to stay informed! Topics include Epidemiology, Prevention of Injuries, Lesions of Head and Neck; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Biomechanics, Muscle Strength, and Training; Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Physiology, and Immune Function; Nutrition and Doping; and Special Considerations: Children, Women, the Elderly, and Special Populations. "The chief and associate editors of the book are highly knowledgeable scientific experts on this topic. Expert commentaries from the editors evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to sports medicine practice". Reviewed by: Ufuk Sekir, Medical School of Uludag University on behalf of the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Date: July 2015

The Year Book of Sports Medicine brings you abstracts of articles carefully selected from more than 500 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice. Editor-in-Chief Roy Shephard states: ." . . Not only does a team of top international experts select the very best articles from a bewildering plethora of recent information, but their expert critique of the individual papers allows readers to weigh their limitations and understand findings that can enhance their current medical practice." There's no faster or easier way to stay informed Topics include Epidemiology, Prevention of Injuries, Lesions of Head and Neck; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Biomechanics, Muscle Strength, and Training; Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Physiology, and Immune Function; Nutrition and Doping; and Special Considerations: Children, Women, the Elderly, and Special Populations.

From Roy Shephard: ." . . Not only does a team of top international experts select the very best articles from a bewildering plethora of recent information, but their expert critique of the individual papers allows readers to weigh their limitations and understand findings that can enhance their current medical practice." There's no faster or easier way to stay informed! The Year Book of Sports Medicine brings you abstracts of articles carefully selected from more than 500 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice.

A good doctor must pay attention to cultural and anthropological factors that influence a patient's lifestyle and any resulting need to adjust personal lifestyle in the interests of health. Cross-cultural differences in the patient's expectations must also be taken into account, accepted patterns of treatment and health outcomes. Often, a family physician must be prepared to address psychological problems rather than the presence of a clear-cut organic disease of the type anticipated by those formulating evidence-based treatment recommendations. The quality of an individual medical practice and levels of health achieved can be rated by both the patients who are treated and peers from the health professions, although the views of both groups must be accepted with caution. The quality of any given practice can be enhanced by considering the usual motivators, stressors and personal qualities of a successful physician. Humans have undergone a progressive evolutionary adaptation to their immediate environment over many millennia. Illnesses thus arise because the current generation of homo sapiens no longer maintains the life-style to which it became so well adapted over the centuries. A good physician recognises the problems inherent in our current urban lifestyle and seeks to maximise the individual's health potential by focusing on preventive medicine and the development of health habits such as exercise and diet that are more appropriate to our constitutional background. This book explores the criteria necessary for competent patient care and compassion to address the emotional needs of the patient.

Optimizing Physical Performance During Fasting and Dietary Restriction examines the effects of sustained fasting and food restrictions on metabolism and physical performance in athletes. It provides broad coverage including both religious and non-religious fasting and dietary restrictions. This practical and evidence-based guide outlines recent findings from peer-reviewed literature as well as original experiments conducted by the authors, who are experts in the supervision of athletes during fasting. The book presents findings and information simply and clearly and also summarizes implications for athletes. Written in an accessible style, each chapter reviews 30 to 100 investigations and also includes relevant citations, teaching objectives, definitions of key terms, summary of key points, practical implications for athletes, and questions for discussion