Bathtub Exercises for Arthritis

According to Jetter and Kadlec, ""water is the ideal exercise medium,'' building muscle flexibility and strength through natural resistance, while minimizing the harmful gravitational effects of land-based exercises. They provide more than 100 straightforward and well-illustrated exercisesranging from mild to rigorous, and affecting the abdomen, ankles, back, elbows, hands, arms, hips, knees, legs, neck, shoulders, feet, torso and wriststhe majority of which can be performed in a standard bathtub. Massages and aerobic exercises are also included. The authors stress safety, the importance of medical diagnosis and that ``there is no magic exercise regimen.'' Those afflicted with arthritis or back pain, and patients compromised by accident, surgery or stroke, will find this sound and soothing reading. Kadlec, an occupational therapist, selected the exercises and Jetter, a former swimming/aquatic exercise instructor, wrote the text; they are the authors of The Arthritis Book of Water Exercise. (August 19)