Body Mechanics PDF

Body Mechanics Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session, students should be able to: 1. Define body mechanics 2. Explain the importance of body mechanics 3. Explain the principles of body mechanics 4. Observe body mechanics when providing nursing care DEFINITION Body mechanics is defined as...

Body Mechanics Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session, students should be able to: 1. Define body mechanics 2. Explain the importance of body mechanics 3. Explain the principles of body mechanics 4. Observe body mechanics when providing nursing care DEFINITION Body mechanics is defined as the coordinated efforts of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to maintain balance, posture and body alignment during lifting ,moving, bending and performing ADL.  Body Mechanics Your body is like a well organized machine. Each part is designated to do a special job. Your eyes see, ears hear, and muscles help to move.  Body Mechanics Mobility is governed by body mechanics the purposeful and coordinated use of body parts and positions during activity. Use of proper body mechanics maximizes the effectiveness of the efforts of musculoskeletal and neurological system. The purpose of proper body mechanics is prevention of strain and injury to the muscles, joints and tendons.  Strain Stretching injury to a muscle or muscle tendon unit caused by mechanical overloading. Common sites: lower back and cervical region of spine  Sprain Injury to a ligament, result from twisting motion. Force going in opposite directions, cause the ligament to overstretch or tear. Bleeding into soft tissue, tenderness, edema. e.g: ankle, knee  ELEMENTS Body alignment (posture) Balance (stability) Coordinated body movement Body Alignment Refers to the position of body parts in relation to each other. Proper body alignment results in balance. (It is the position of the body parts in sitting, standing, walking, and lying down.) Correct posture promotes balance, reduces strain and injury to support structures, facilitates respiratory effort, enhances gastrointestinal processes and gives and appearances of confidence and health.  Body Alignment It is the geometric arrangement of body parts in relation to each other. It promotes good balance and maximal body function. Body alignment and posture are synonymous terms. Benefits of Proper Alignment Client comfort Prevention of contractures Promotion of circulation Less stress on muscle, tendons, nerves and joints Prevention of foot drop  BODY BALANCE The ability to keep steady with an equal amount of weight on each side of the body. Is achieved when there is relatively low center of gravity forms over a wide and stable base of support Balance Balance is an individual’s ability to maintain postural equilibrium. Balance is the result of proper alignment. Good body alignment is essential for good body balance. Body Balance When a person rests in a chair or bed, the feet of the chair or bed forms a considerably wider base of support, the center of gravity is lower, and the line of gravity is less mobile. Thus the person has greater stability and balance in sitting and lying position than in a standing position. Techniques Of Balance Widening the base of support by separating the feet to a comfortable position. Increasing balance by bringing the center of gravity closer to the base of support. Coordinated Movement Is a result of weight, center of gravity, and balance Weight is the force exerted on a body by gravity. Friction is a force that occurs in a direction to oppose movement. Coordinated Body Movement ✓Body mechanics involves the integrated functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous system as well as joint mobility. Principles The wider the base of support, the greater the stability of the nurse (Spread the feet apart) The lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability of the nurse. The equilibrium of an object is maintained as long as the line of gravity passes through it’s base of support Facing the direction of movement, prevent abnormal twisting of the spine Dividing balanced activity between arm and legs reduces the risk of back injury (during lifting) Principles (Cont’d) Rolling, turning requires less work than lifting When friction is reduced between the object to be moved and the surface on which it is moved, less force is required to move it. Reducing the force work, reduces the risk of injury Maintaining good body mechanics reduce fatigue of the muscle group. Alternating periods of rest and activity helps to reduce fatigue.  Regulation of movement Skeletal System Muscular System Nervous System Proper Standing Body Alignment Head upright Face forward Shoulders squared Back straight Abdominals muscles tucked in Arms straight at side Legs straight Feet forward Proper Standing Body Alignment Lifting an Object Do I really need to lift this? Can I slide the object instead of lifting? Is the object is too heavy? Are two people needed for the lift? Should I use a trolley? Can I see where I am going?  Lifting Object (Half Squat) Stand close to the object and bend your knees. Get a good grip. Test the weight. Hold the object close to your body Use your leg muscles. Bend at your hips, keeping the spine straight Lift smoothly without jerking.  Carrying an Object Never twist and bend your back. Change direction by moving your feet. Keep the load close to your body. Make sure you can see where you are going.  Pushing & Pulling Keep your back straight. Position your feet to avoid slipping. Good Bad  Reaching Up Down and All Around Clear obstacles Get close to object Face object Use leg and feet for proper position Determine best way to hold the object Maintain good posture Do not bend and twist together Should Not Bend On Spine  Avoid Bad Good  Good Posture NUR 1014 Proper Sitting Position Spinal Cord The spine is like a column of bricks. The individual bones (Vertebrae) are held together by inter vertebral discs and strong ligaments. The disc material is flexible enough to allow movement and the small joints of the back of the spine help to control this movement. Back Pain Damage to either the disc joints may produce stiffness and back pain. Pulled muscles or strains of the ligaments can also cause back pain. Prevention Practice good body mechanics. Maintain your general physical fitness. For lifting, bend the knees and keep the head up For carrying, keep the weight close to the body. Well supporting chair with correct work surface height. Well supporting firm mattress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZMQ2kF13U8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H96dlMJllhI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcWRuIrhwg Thank you!