45

Temporomandibular and Cervical Spine Disorders by A de WJer, published by the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, 1995 (ISBN 90 393 0877 2). 176 pages.

The principal theme of this book was a research thesis examining the interrelationship between temporo- mandibular (TMD) and cervical spine disorders (CSD). It focuses on researching the objective tests to investigate inter-examiner relia- bility of orthopaedic tests and palpation techniques routinely used in the clinical diagnosis of TMD and CSD.

It is very well written, but as it is translated from Dutch the text does not always read fluently. I t is laid out in traditional thesis format, being well sectioned and referenced. The organisation of sections, although good, can be difficult to follow. Poor headings and a lack of breaks in the text make it laborious to read and this is not helped by the basic typestyle.

The information is very up to date, with excellent reference sections throughout and a compre- hensive bibliography a t the end. There is endless cross-referencing which although it disturbs the flow of reading is extensive and useful; all areas discussed are extremely well backed up.

Tables and figures are clear but numerically based - to understand them a knowledge of statistics would be useful. The research methods are excellent, very thor- ough and provide a positive piece of research. The book clarifies the primary causes of TMD and CSD and gives advanced information on both disorders, shows how they present, and discusses the plethora of research on these topics.

Inter-examiner reliability studies of orthopaedic tests performed both by a dentist and physiotherapist showed the main symptoms of TMD can be reliably validated. Cervical spine tests performed by two phys- iotherapists showed variable re- sults, however, and further studies are needed to find a reliable test for CSD.

The use of a questionnaire to distinguish between CSD and TMD proved to be a clear and concise way to differentiate between these syndromes.

Further experimental research examining patients with TMD and

CSD was undertaken and the results indicated that the questionnaire was acceptable for dentists to use when patients present with solely TMD. However, when there is a combination of both disorders, there needs to be full evaluation through extensive orthopaedic tests.

This book is useful for dentists and manual therapists with an interest in cervical and temporo-

mandibular disorders. I t explores the overlap between the professions and gives interesting implications for specialists in the treatment of these disorders.

I would recommend this book for those researching these topics a t postgraduate level.

Angela Bradley MSc MCSP MMACP

Living Skills Pack I1 by Dr Bob Wycherley, Clare Crellin and Tony Chiva. Published by Outset Pub- lishing, Saffron House, 59-60 High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN33 OEN, 1994 (ISBN 1872889 70 0). Available separately at f35 each for four units or more or the complete pack at f 149 (cheque payment) or f 175 (with invoice). These are special prices: please quote Physiotherapy.

Thinking Rationally; Relation- ships; Managing Stress; Plan- ning and Organising; Solving Problems.

Living Skills I1 utilises the training package format, is well presented and structured, is easy to read and contains all the relevant information for a group leader, including timings of sessions and optional ways of using the material depending upon participant needs and time available. The course employs the principles of active learning and includes a comprehen- sive reference list with each unit.

I would not anticipate physiother- apists using Living Skills I I with patients - the training it provides is more the psychologist’s domain - but it could be useful for in-service

Living Skills II is a new and consid- erably revised and extended edition of the Living Skills training course first published in 1987.

The course aims t o present an

Left: Managing stress

prove some of the living skills training particularly with a which are important for multi-disciplinary group. The coping with life events. course is designed to be used The course is presented as by a range of personnel

and in a variety of settings. Examples are

given, and no partic- ular skills or exper-

a package divided into eight separate units,

ience are required of the group lead- er. I would, how-

ever, consider it essential

each presented as a booklet and enti- tled: Caring for Yourself; Assert- ing Yourself;

for the group leader to have appropriate experi- ence, as well as easy access t o appropriate professional support. The impression that anyone can act as a group leader gives cause for concern given the nature of the course content. For example, in the instructions for running role play I do not think the importance of de- roling participants is sufficiently emphasised.

On a practical note, while of excel- lent quality, the total package is extremely heavy. There is a consid- erable amount of repetition in the instructions which could have been condensed. Living Skills I I could provide useful resource material for trainers of multi-disciplinary mental health teams.

S Holloway MCSP

Physiotherapy, January 1997, vol83, no 1