Step-by-step descriptions and more than 250 illustrations show how to perform the exercises correctly. And because the programs are tailored to specific disabilities and levels of functioning, virtually anyone—regardless of disability—will be able to use the programs without fear of injury.

Part I identifies the elements of a well-rounded fitness program. Readers will learn what preparation must be done to safely engage in regular exercise. They will also discover how to design strength training and aerobic training programs along with stretching exercises designed to enhance flexibility, an important but often neglected fitness component.

Each chapter in Part II focuses on a specific classification of disability and the medical and physical characteristics that may affect the ability to exercise. The authors then present multiple exercise programs for each classification of disability. Readers select the appropriate program and, using the guidelines provided, can modify it to meet specific needs.

Part III presents the actual exercises that comprise each conditioning program. Here readers will find detailed descriptions and illustrations showing how to perform the exercises correctly. The authors also include information on maximizing space, time, staff, and equipment by organizing an exercise class.

Full of complete and accurate training information, Conditioning With Physical Disabilities is a practical fitness manual for people with physical disabilities, their parents, and their caregivers as well as a comprehensive reference for others who work with people with physical disabilities.

AUDIENCE

Reference for fitness and health professionals.

CONTENTS

Preface
Acknowledgments
Reviewers
Part I: Components of Physical Conditioning
Chapter 1. Exercise Readiness Assessment
• Medical History and Evaluation
• Insight Into Your Disability
• Age-Related Concerns
• Equipment Availability
• Assessing Your Exercise Starting Point
Chapter 2. Strength Training
• Your Body's Response
• Muscle Soreness and Overwork Weakness
• Muscle Contractions
• Basic Training Principles and Considerations
• Considerations and Special Concerns
• Choosing the Appropriate Exercises
• Maintaining an Exercise Log
• Basic Variables of Exercise Program Design
• Program Progression
Chapter 3. Aerobic Training
• Your Body's Response
• Modes of Aerobic Training
• Monitoring Your Exercise Intensity
• Aerobic Exercise Program Design
• Rate of Progression
Chapter 4. Flexibility Training
• When Should I Stretch?
• Principles of Stretching
• Basic Stretching Rules
• Stretching Techniques for Developing Flexibility
• Flexibility Exercises
Part II: Disability Profiles and Conditioning Programs
Chapter 5. Conditioning With Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Head Injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Stroke
• Head Injury
• Classification and Exercise Guidelines

Chapter 6. Conditioning With Spinal Cord Injuries, Spina Bifida, and Poliomyelitis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin F. Lockette and Ann M. Keyes are the developers of a renowned strength and conditioning program for people with physical disabilities. Created at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, named by experts as the best rehabilitation facility in the United States, their program is now the largest of its kind in the country. It promotes wellness and the prevention of medical complications, allowing people with physical disabilities to live more active lives.

Trained as a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist, Kevin Lockette is also a leading coach in disabled sports. Since 1990 he has held international coaching positions in weightlifting and powerlifting, including duties as head powerlifting coach for the Disabled Sports Team representing the United States at the 1992 Paralympics. Kevin lectures at national and international conferences in the fields of medicine, adapted physical activity, and strength and conditioning. His knowledge in these areas has allowed him to bridge the gap between medicine and exercise and develop effective exercise programs for people with physical disabilities.

Kevin earned his bachelor's degree in physical therapy from the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Ginger, live in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he works at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. Kevin likes to spend his leisure time lifting weights, jogging, and playing the blues harmonica.

Ann Keyes is a successful physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Since 1989 she has combined these areas of expertise as a head coach and consultant for the highly acclaimed strength and conditioning program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Her administrative and clinical positions at RIC have allowed her to research and develop fitness assessments and exercise programs for people with a variety of physical disabilities. She also has updated several exercise programs in the physical therapy departments at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and at RIC.

Ann graduated with Academic Merit Recognition from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1987. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Her interests include reading, running, working out, and traveling.

WORDS OF PRAISE

"Lockette and Keyes present the most current reference and most useful resource regarding exercise for people with physical disabilities. Conditioning With Physical Disabilities provides the practical guidelines and customized programs to meet your special needs."

"Recognizing the lack of fitness and recreation programs for people with disabilities in the United States, Kevin Lockette and Ann Keyes provide an excellent guide to fitness, giving health professionals and fitness providers the necessary resources to introduce these concepts to a broad base of audiences."