Body Mechanics

Unit 103

Objectives

• Recognize principles of appropriate body mechanics, including safety, precautions, body alignment, and body mechanics.

103.1Body Mechanics

• efficient use of body as a machine

103.1Body Mechanics

• Efficient use of body as a machine• Purpose of good mechanics– promotes good musculoskeletal function– reduces required energy– promotes balance– promotes safety of patient and healthcare

worker

Terms

• Alignment– having parts in proper

relationship to each other

Cervical

Thoracic

Lumbar

Sacro-coccygeal

Terms

• Balance– steady position

Terms

• Base of Support– area on which object

rests

Terms

• Gravity– force that pulls object toward

center of the earth

• Center of gravity– area on which mass of object is

centered

• Line of Gravityvertical line that passes through center of gravity

Terms

• Center of gravity and balance– for an object/person

to be in a stable position, the center of gravity must be above the base of support

Posture• position of body• keep feet parallel,

flat on the floor, shoulder width apart

• bend knees slightly to avoid strain– act as shock

absorbers

GOOD BAD

Proper Posture

• pull buttocks in and hold abdomen in, helps keep straight back

• hold chest up and slightly forward

• hold head erect with face forward and chin slightly in

GOOD BAD

Body at Work• use longest & strongest

muscles (legs)to provide energy

• use internal girdle and make a long midriff to protect abdominal muscles

• keep feet apart for a wide base of support

• push, pull or roll objects when possible

Body at Work• Bend at knees and hips, use leg muscles,

and keep back straight when lifting

Body at Work

• Avoid twisting and stretching muscles

• Rest between periods of exertion

Concepts of Moving a Patient or Object

• Friction– force that opposes

motion• Force

– energy required to accomplish movement

• Inertia– tendency of an object

at rest to stay at rest and an object in motion to remain in motion

Ouch!Ouch!

Concepts of Movinga Patient or Object

• Muscle– produce forces that move levers

• Fulcrum– a fixed point about which a lever moves• example: elbow

Concepts of Movinga Patient or Object

• Lever– any one bone or

associated joint that acts as simple machine so that force applied to one end tends to rotate the bone in opposite direction

Lever

Principles of Body Mechanics

• USE MIND THEN YOUR MUSCLES– muscles act in groups to perform a function– large muscles fatigue less quickly– muscles are always slightly contracted– stability is greater with a wide base of

support, and low center of gravity– adjust work area (beds) to waist level when

possible

Principles of Body Mechanics

– it is easier to push or pull than to lift– friction increases work, work on a smooth

surface– changes in activity or position decrease fatigue– use body weight and mechanical devices to

decrease effort to include rocking or leaning forward or back

– work close to object you are moving– avoid twisting your body

Principles of body mechanics

• If lifting a heavy object ask for help.• Keep feet 12” apart when lifting.• Rules of good body mechanics apply to moving

objects and tranfering patients.

Knowledge Assessment

• Define alignment and gravity.• Discuss center of gravity.• List considerations for a body at work.• List concepts of moving a patient or an object.