Sports Science

NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training

Research Methods In Physical Activity

Many students fear and loathe research methods classes, which conjure up images of musty, dusty books, boredom, and confusion. Students have a welcome surprise waiting for them with Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, as the text effortlessly guides them through the research process.

This latest edition of this internationally recognized textbook does not rest on its laurels as the leading research methods text. The authors have updated the resource in order to provide the following benefits: * Shed new light on the research process, particularly regarding use of library facilities * Enhance students' understanding of basic statistical calculations and the relevance of their uses * Present a major revision to the chapter on qualitative research and contributions from eminent scholars to the chapters on historical, epidemiology, and philosophic research * Increase students' understanding of how to write research reports * Carry the readers through the book by introducing three graduate students studying research methods, one of whom brings a special comical spin to the material

In addition, the text presents a new chapter on using power to plan and interpret research and provides information on traditional perspectives and alternative approaches to the research process. As a result, readers * understand the essentials of the research process; * appreciate statistical analyses common to research studies; * learn the basics of planning research and linking appropriate statistical packages with specific research designs; * discover how to bring together all the components of the research process and lay them out, in appropriate formats, for dissemination to user groups; and * gain access to a variety of tools to present or reinforce concepts presented in the book.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, retains its strengths from the previous edition. The text is arranged in four parts that systematically guide the reader through the research process. It introduces readers to statistical and measurement issues in research and presents various types of, and approaches to, research. The new edition helps readers understand the complete research process, and it thoroughly arms them with practical research tools. For instructors teaching a research methods course, an instructor guide, test package, and presentation package specific to the textbook are available.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, demonstrates that research processes are not to be feared. To the contrary, they are useful tools to be used by students and professionals. This point is emphasized as authors regularly use humorous anecdotes, sketches, and corollaries to enliven the reading and drive home key points. This text removes the fear and confusion often associated with the research process and shines a light on all the aspects of research that readers need to know—whether it's reading, understanding, planning, carrying out, writing, or presenting research.

Ancillary materials are available.

The Physics of Baseball (3rd Edition)

Blending scientific fact and sports trivia, Robert Adair examines what a baseball or player in motion does-and why. How fast can a batted ball go? What effect do stitch patterns have on wind resistance? How far does a curve ball break? Who reaches first base faster after a bunt, a right- or left-handed batter? The answers are often surprising -- and always illuminating.

This newly revised third edition considers recent developments in the science of sport such as the neurophysiology of batting, bat vibration, and the character of the "sweet spot." Faster pitchers, longer hitters, and enclosed stadiums also get a good, hard scientific look to determine their effects on the game.

Filled with anecdotes about famous players and incidents, The Physics of Baseball provides fans with fascinating insights into America's favorite pastime.

Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition

This new second edition of Science and Practice of Strength Training comes with many additions and changes. A new coauthor, Dr. William Kraemer, joins Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky in expanding on the principles and concepts needed for training athletes. Among Dr. Kraemer's contributions are three new chapters targeting specific populations—women, young athletes, and seniors—plus the integration of new concepts into the other chapters.

Together the authors have trained more than 1,000 elite athletes, including Olympic, world, continental, and national champions and record holders. The concepts they divulge are influenced by both Eastern European and North American perspectives. The authors integrate those concepts in solid principles, practical insights, coaching experiences, and directions based on scientific findings. This edition is much more practical than its predecessor; to this end, the book provides the practitioner with the understanding to craft strength training programs based on individuals' needs.

Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition, shows that there is no one program that works for any one person at all times or for all conditions. This book addresses the complexity of strength training programs while providing straightforward approaches to take under specific circumstances. Those approaches are applied to new physiological concepts and training practices, which provide readers with the most current information in the science and practice of strength training. The approaches are also applied to the three new chapters, which will help readers design safe and effective strength training programs for women, young athletes, and seniors. In addition, the authors provide examples of strength training programs to demonstrate the principles and concepts they explain in the book.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the basis of strength training, detailing concepts, task-specific strength, and athlete-specific strength. Part II covers methods of strength conditioning, delving into training intensity, timing, strength exercises, injury prevention, and goals. Part III explores training for specific populations. The book also includes suggested readings that can further aid readers in developing strength training programs.

This expanded and updated coverage of strength training concepts will ground readers in the understanding they need in order to develop appropriate strength training programs for each person that they work with.

The Art & Science of Pitching

Noted authors, coaches, and consultants Tom House, Gary Heil, and Steve Johnson present this update on objective medical, exercise, and coaching pitching research. The Art & Science of Pitching provides current information on skills and drills for coaches, players, and parents. The book contains four sections: pitching biomechanics; building skills with drills; pitching goals, strategies, and tactics for competition; and functional fitness, mental/emotional management, nutrition, and arm care for health and performance. Each chapter describes in detail learning points and teaching applications of help improve the health and performance of pitchers from Little League to the Major Leagues. Large format and features over 250 clear pictures and images. Produced in cooperation with the National Pitching Association.

Diving Science

Prepare for each underwater adventure and its challenges. Diving Science will help you anticipate, recognize, and respond to the physical, physiological, and psychological stresses encountered in sport diving.

Written by two experts in diving physiology and medicine, this comprehensive resource will help you manage each stage of a dive more safely and successfully. Whether you're on the surface or bottom, in the descent or ascent, you'll know exactly what to do and when to do it. With information on everything from on-gassing and off-gassing to first response interventions for medical problems, Diving Science is as essential as a wetsuit for your next dive.

Use the book's diving-specific fitness specifications to learn how to make diving safe and enjoyable at any age. And apply the detailed equipment recommendations to prepare properly for each dive.

Diving Science provides a wealth of information useful to all divers. Tap into this treasure chest before each dive to ensure it is your best and safest yet.

Administration for Exercise-Related Professions

This cutting edge textbook not only covers the areas of administration in teaching and coaching, but also sports medicine, exercise science, adult fitness, sports management, and general administration. Its case-based methodology promotes high order thinking skills that are relative to administration issues and have been praised by adopters and reviewers as a key strength of the text.

The Diabetic Athlete

Have you ever had to sacrifice training or competing because of your diabetes? If you have, or if you just never want to be put in that situation, The Diabetic Athlete is just what you've been looking for. Inside this helpful guide you'll find detailed advice on blood sugar regulation, medication, and nutrition for 73 sports and activities.

Written by Dr. Sheri Colberg, a diabetic athlete with a PhD in exercise physiology, this book draws on the experiences of hundreds of diabetic athletes to provide the best advice for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Specific insulin advice is included for NPH and lente, ultralente, and pump users. And profiles of elite and amateur athletes, from golf to scuba diving, show how they cope—and thrive—in their different environments.

No other book gives so many sport-specific recommendations to help you safely and fully pursue the activities you enjoy. With Dr. Colberg's advice you'll feel better than ever while training for fitness and sport performance.

Life at the Extremes: The Science of Survival

"It is an extraordinary coincidence," writes English physiologist Frances Ashcroft, "that the highest peak on Earth is also about the highest point at which humans can survive unaided." A coincidence, to be sure, and, like many other milestones of the limits of human endurance, one known to us through the joint efforts of scientists, mountain climbers, explorers, and athletes.

Ashcroft's book is a thoroughly engaging survey of those limits and their origins in the nature of things, of what happens to human beings in the most difficult environmental conditions. She writes, for instance, of why it is that astronauts have trouble standing after returning to Earth (because, in part, their leg muscles quickly atrophy outside of terrestrial gravity); of how the famed Japanese pearl divers condition themselves to attain such extraordinary underwater depths; of how and why the consumption of carbohydrates and caffeine can improve athletic performance; of why British children so easily suffer heat exhaustion on trips to such semitropical venues as, say, Disneyworld, whereas young Saudis can tolerate much higher temperatures (but would likely not thrive in an English winter).

Backed by extensive field research--the author has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, sweated it out in Japanese hot tubs, and run after her share of buses--as well as by a wealth of laboratory studies, Ashcroft's book is of great appeal to anyone who wishes to test the world's limits--or their own. --Gregory McNamee

The challenge of scaling the highest mountain, exploring the deepest ocean, crossing the hottest desert, or swimming in near-freezing water is irresistible to many people. Life at the Extremes is an engrossing exploration of what happens to our bodies in these seemingly uninhabitable environments. Frances Ashcroft weaves stories of extraordinary feats of endurance with historical material and the latest scientific findings as she investigates the limits of human survival and the remarkable adaptations that enable us to withstand extreme conditions.
What causes mountain sickness? How is it possible to reach the top of Everest without supplementary oxygen, when passengers in an airplane that depressurized at the same altitude would lose consciousness in seconds? Why do divers get the bends but sperm whales do not? How long you can survive immersion in freezing water? Why don't penguins get frostbite? Will men always be faster runners than women? How far into deep space can a body travel?
As she considers these questions, Ashcroft introduces a cast of extraordinary scientific personalities--inventors and explorers who have charted the limits of human survival. She describes many intriguing experiments and shows how scientific knowledge has enabled us to venture toward and beyond ever greater limits. Life at the Extremes also considers what happens when athletes push their bodies to the edge, and tells of the remarkable adaptations that enable some organisms to live in boiling water, in highly acidic lakes, or deep in the middle of rocks.
Anyone who flies in an airplane, sails the high seas, goes skiing or walking in the mountains, or simply weathers subzero winters or sweltering summers will be captivated by this book. Full of scientific information, beautifully written, and packed with many fascinating digressions, Life at the Extremes lures us to the very edge of human survival.

The Ab Revolution Third Edition- No More Crunches No More Back Pain

Third edition, completely reorganized and expanded. Easier to follow and use. Dr. Jolie Bookspan's Ab Revolution (TM) is a groundbreaking method to use abdominal and core muscles functionally for daily activity and back pain control. It is used by athletes, military and law enforcement personnel, and top spine docs and rehab centers around the world. Jam-packed with new and different concepts and exercises, explained step-by-step. Fully illustrated. 132 pages.