The Mechanics of Manipulation - A Review
"The Mechanics of Manipulation" by Keith B. Laggos is a book on the subject of manipulation that takes an in depth look at the mechanics of using one's hands to manipulate objects. This book explores several topics of the manipulation of objects, such as: the concept of repositioning, the four mechanics of manipulation (pushing, grabbing, striking, and squeezing), the concepts of simultaneous manipulation and simultaneous repositioning, how to maintain and repeat position after a manipulation, where to put a manipulative tool next to a person, how to place an object in space, what happens if one manipulates an object while another object is in the way, and what happens when two persons manipulate each other. It also goes into detail on what the implications are for using these four mechanics in various situations, and how the same concepts and principles can be applied in a variety of different situations.
The book starts out with a review of some of the most popular uses of the mechanics of manipulation. Then it explains what the four mechanics are, gives examples of applying these concepts in various situations, discusses applications in art and science, and describes the application of the theory of motor planning. At the end of the first chapter the reader is introduced to the four mechanics and their applications. Throughout the rest of the book the author examines the importance of the manipulation of articulated hands in everyday life. In the final chapter the author discusses what might motivate a person to use a manipulation, why it is useful, what the ethical and legal issues might be involved in using the manipulation, how it might be used to its full potential, and what its applications might be. The conclusion of the novel concludes with a short case study on the use of repositioning to manipulate a fixed object.
The second part of the book describes a number of real world cases where people manipulate objects using the principles described in the text. It starts off with an account of how a teacher manipulates a student using only her articulated hands to move blocks of sand using a device that weighs about ten pounds. The next case involves a woman who puts jewelry in a plastic pouch by means of a lever attached to the pouch.
The third part covers application areas such as applied kinesiology, in which the human body system is manipulated through muscular contractions. It describes how this type of manipulation is similar to the repositioning principle described in The Mechanics of Manipulation. Another example involves how dental implant professionals manipulate a patient's mouth into place before installing a denture in its place. It also describes three other methods for manipulation, all based on repositioning principles. The final chapter describes how repositioning and other similar principles can be used in medical situations.
Overall, this is a very interesting book that describes manipulation at various levels, covering many different application areas. The book has a very good methodology, using simple descriptions of how repositioning, as done by the practitioners described in the text, can apply to specific situations. I especially liked the sections that explained the application of repositioning to sports medicine, dental implants, military applications, and the application of the principle of least effort in training. However, some of the information in the text could have been described in greater detail and made more accessible to a broader audience. For instance, some of the examples cited (especially the "rubber hand" example) could have been explained using more scientific language. Also, while the section on applied kinesiology provides a brief description of the process, the discussions of specific muscles and tissues involved should have been more detailed and engaging, perhaps including some basic physiology.
The Mechanics of Manipulation is a fine text for individuals interested in manipulation, but not necessarily those who teach manipulation. For example, while the process described in the text is useful for gymnasts and physical therapists, it would not be of interest to an accountant or marketing manager. But it is a valuable addition to any college library, as it will make the entire subject seem a little more technical for those students who are already studying this field. And since all the processes described are applicable to humans as well as animals, this book will benefit those individuals who wish to become therapists, osteopaths, physical therapists, veterinarians, and other professionals involved in human health care. The Principles of Mechanics of Manipulation covers a broad range of topics, which make it a valuable resource for students of all disciplines studying human movement, health care, and psychology.