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When Lynn Colby and I first began writing a book on therapeutic exercise over 30 years ago, it was simply an idea to fill a basic need in the education of physical therapists. Our first effort was a soft-cover product in outline form that was primarily marketed as a laboratory manual. The evolution of each succeeding edition came about from our creative insights and collaborative efforts to bring to the student and professional community the most up-to-date resource possible. Lynn has decided that this is the last edition with which she will be involved—I will miss her exceptional abilities, her collegiality, and the partnership that has grown over the years. I am at a loss to know how to thank her for her many years of love and dedication to this project and the friendship that has developed through our partnership. I simply say, thank you Lynn. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
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For this edition we brought on a new co-author, John Borstad, PT, PhD. He was a contributor in our 6th edition and has been involved in other publications and research. You will see his name on many of the chapters in this edition as he has stepped into the roles of updating, revising, and editing. His biographical information follows in the About the Authors section. It is exciting to have him on board, and I look forward to our ongoing collaborative efforts.
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The authors and contributors of this book have continually sought to incorporate current trends and research to support the foundational concepts of therapeutic exercise on which the student can learn and the practitioner can grow in their expertise of treating patients. In addition to the extensive and thorough revisions of content, the Focus on Evidence and Clinical Tips features, as well as links to video demonstrations of key interventions, are again highlighted in this edition. Whenever applicable, Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are included within the Focus on Evidence sections.
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We have added a new chapter on Exercise in the Older Adult (Chapter 24). With this being such a critical area of practice in physical therapy, we anticipate that the content of the chapter will provide a foundation of information and suggested interventions that all practitioners will find useful when working with older individuals. There has also been important updating of information on use of the ICF language (International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health) in Chapter 1; an expansion of information on prevention, health, and wellness in Chapter 2; and incorporation of managing male incontinence in Chapter 25. With the expanding use of the Internet we decided to move some of our tables, boxes, and glossary online. When these resources are available, the reader will be referred to the F.A. Davis website associated with this edition for easy access to this feature.
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As with previous editions, it is our hope that this updated text will provide a resource for learning and professional growth for the students and health-care practitioners who utilize therapeutic exercise.