Body Mechanics Overview

Body Mechanics Overview

• Body mechanics involve coordinated muscle activity and neurological integration for efficient movement and balance.
• Proper body alignment minimizes strain on joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, promoting optimal balance and function.
• Body mechanics encompass the coordinated and efficient use of body parts - bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments - to produce movement and maintain balance. This also considers internal and external forces on the body.
• Applying proper body mechanics prevents unnecessary strain on muscles and joints and improves overall safety during work.

Terminology

• Posture (Alignment): The relationship of body parts to one another, crucial for coordinated movement and balance.
• Base of Support: The area an object rests on, providing stability.
• Center of Gravity: The point at which the mass of a body or object is centered. Importantly, when balanced across all sides, the weight is equal.
• Line of Gravity: An imaginary vertical line drawn through the body's center of gravity. The closer this line is to the center of the base of support, the greater stability.

Correct Body Alignment

• Back: Straight.
• Head: Erect.
• Arms: Sides, elbows slightly bent, palms forward.
• Knees: Slightly bent.
• Toes: Pointed forward.

Purpose of Body Mechanics

• Prevent fatigue.
• Avoid muscle strains and tears.
• Reduce risk of skeletal injuries.
• Reduce injury risk to the patient.
• Reduce injury risk to healthcare workers (e.g., nurses).
• Enhance appearance (good posture).
• Maintain comfort.

Risk Factors Contributing to Back Injuries

• Excess weight
• Smoking
• Poor work postures and lifting practices
• Previous occurrences of back trouble
• Physical fitness, while not determinant, can influence recovery speed.

Common Mistakes in Improper Body Mechanics

• Insufficient strength when working with patients.
• Lifting with a bent back and straight legs.
• Using fast, jerky motions.
• Bending and twisting at the same time.
• Maintaining improper lifting distance.
• Poor planning and communication.

Principles of Good Body Mechanics

• Maintain a straight back to support proper alignment.
• Avoid sudden back movements, as back muscles are easily fatigued.
• Bend knees and hips when lifting, shifting work to the stronger leg and hip muscles.
• Employ a wide base of support with a low center of gravity for object stability. The line of gravity must fall within the base of support to maintain balance.
• Use smooth, coordinated motions instead of jerky movements when transferring, pushing, pulling, or moving objects. This minimizes force and friction against the line of gravity.
• Keep the object close to your body to maintain stability.
• Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid bending or stretching excessively.
• Maintain good physical condition.
• If the object requires an elevated position use a stool or ladder.

Techniques of Body Mechanics

• Pivoting avoids twisting the spine.
• Place one foot ahead of the other, slightly raising heels.
• Weight is kept on the balls of the feet.
• The friction is decreased.
• Turn (pivot) 90 degrees.

Lifting Techniques of Body Mechanics

• Use stronger leg muscles for lifting.
• Bend at the knees and hips, keeping the back straight.
• Lift straight up in one smooth motion and stay close to the body.
• When lifting from a low level, use a squat position. Grasp the object, tighten abdominal muscles, lift using stronger leg muscles, and hold the object close to the body with the upper trunk erect.

Reaching / Lifting Above Shoulder Level

• Position yourself directly in front of and close to the object.
• Avoid twisting.
• Utilize stools or ladders for high objects to avoid over reaching.
• Maintain good balance to prevent loss of stability.
• Verify object size & weight before lifting to avoid unnecessary strain.

Assistive Equipment

• The presentation includes different types of assistive equipment (mobile-powered mechanical lifts, ceiling-mounted lifts, sit-to-stand powered lifts, friction-reducing devices, air transfer systems) to assist healthcare workers in lifting and transferring patients safely.

How to Stand / Sit Properly

• Maintain correct posture – head high, chin slightly down, chest out, shoulders back, abdominal muscles tight, knees straight, feet slightly apart, toes straight ahead – for proper balance.
• Never suddenly move from a lying to standing position to avoid orthostatic hypotension(low blood pressure).
• When sitting for an extended period, select a sturdy chair, keep feet flat on the floor, and keep thighs properly supported.

General Notes

• Always plan your lift and ask for help if needed.
• Assess the weight and size of the object before lifting.
• Use proper body mechanics to avoid injuries.

This quiz delves into the principles of body mechanics, emphasizing the importance of proper posture, base of support, and center of gravity for efficient movement and balance. Learn how to minimize strain and enhance safety through correct body alignment and biomechanics.