Body MechanicsBody Mechanics

Body MechanicsBody Mechanics• It is the term used to describe the efficient, coordinated,

and safe use of the body to move objects and carry out the activities of daily living.

PurposesPurposes1. To prevent physical injury of the healthcare giver and

the client2. To promote correct body alignment3. To facilitate coordinated, efficient muscle use when

moving client4. To conserve energy of nurse for accomplishing other

tasks

• Balance depends on the interrelationship of:– Center of gravity– Line of gravity– Base of support

• The closer the line of gravity is to the center of the base of support, the greater the person’s stability.

• The broader the base of support and the lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability and balance.

• Body balance can be greatly enhanced by:– Widening the base of support e.g. spreading the feet farther

apart– Lowering the center of gravity, bringing it closer to the base of

support e.g. flexing the hips and knees until a squatting position is achieved

• 2 movements to avoid because of their potential for causing back injury– Twisting (rotation) of the thoracolumbar spine – Acute flexion of the back with hips and knees straight

(stooping)

LiftingLifting• Hold the lifted object as close as possible to the body’s

center of gravity• Use a lever (arms) to lift more weight• Use major muscle groups of the thighs, knees, upper and

lower arms, abdomen, and pelvis to prevent back strain• Flex the back and knees until the load is at thigh level at

which point the knees remain flexed to provide thrust as the back begins to straighten

• Remain a distance of at least 30 cm (12 in.) between the feet and to keep the load close to the body

Pulling and PushingPulling and Pushing• When pushing:– Enlarge the base of support by moving the front foot forward

• When pulling:– Moving the rear leg back if the person is facing the object– Moving the front foot forward if the person is facing away

from the object

PivotingPivoting• It is a technique in which the body is turned in a way that

avoids twisting of the spine.• Place one foot ahead of the other, raise the heels very

slightly, and put the body weight on the balls of the feet.• When the weight is off the heels, the frictional surface is

decreased and the knees are not twisted when turning.• Keeping the body aligned, turn (pivot) about 90degrees in

the desired direction. The foot that was forward will now be behind.

• Pls see Table 42-4 Summary of Guidelines and Principles Related to Body Mechanics

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale1. Keep weight balance above base of support.

It provides greater stability.

2. Enlarge base of support as necessary.

Balance is maintained with minimal effort when the base of support is enlarged in the direction in which the movement will occur.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale3. Lower the center of gravity toward base of support as necessary.

The closer the line or gravity to center of the base of support, the greater the stability.

4. Enlarge base of support in direction in which force is to be applied.

The wider the base of support and the lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale5. Tighten abdominal and gluteal muscle in preparation for all gravities.

The greater the preparatory isometric tensing, or contraction of muscle, before moving an object, the less energy is required to move it, and the less likelihood of musculoskeletal strain and injury

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale6. Face the direction of the task and turn body into one place.

This is done for effective use of major muscle groups when the spine is rotated or twisted.

7. Bend hips and knees (rather than back) when lifting.

The wider the base of support and the lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale8. Move objects on level surfaces when possible.

It prevents unnecessary use of back muscle when performing a task.

9. Slide (rather than lift) objects on a smooth surfaces when possible.

Less friction between the object moved and the surface on which it is moved requires less energy.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale10. Hold objects close to body and stand close to objects be moved.

The face is minimized. Ten pounds held at waist height close to body is equal to 100 lbs held at arm’s length.

11. Use body weight to assist in lifting or moving when possible.

Body weight adds face to counter act the weight of object and reduces the amount of strain on the arms and back.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale12. Use smooth motions and reasonable speed when carrying out task.

The synchronized use of as many large muscle groups as possible during an activity increases overall strength and prevents muscle fatigue and injury.

ImplementationImplementationAction Rationale13. When moving client, use a pulling motion whenever possible.

Pulling creates less friction than pushing.

14. Raise the working surface to your waist level when possible.

Objects that are close to the center of gravity moves with less effort.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!-CARPE DIEM (“,)--CARPE DIEM (“,)-