Body Mechanics/Lifting Procedures PDF

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE PTA PROGRAM VA BEACH CAMPUS PTH 105 -- [Unit 4 Lab] -- [HO\#1] - [Body Mechanics/Lifting] (Reference: Fairchild - Ch 4) **Learner Objectives:** A1. Identify the principles of proper body mechanics. A2. Discuss the importance of using good body mechanics and maintain...

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE PTA PROGRAM VA BEACH CAMPUS PTH 105 -- [Unit 4 Lab] -- [HO\#1] - [Body Mechanics/Lifting] (Reference: Fairchild - Ch 4) **Learner Objectives:** A1. Identify the principles of proper body mechanics. A2. Discuss the importance of using good body mechanics and maintaining correct posture. **Key Terms**: {#key-terms.ListParagraph} ============== - - - - - - - - - - - - **[Principles of Body Mechanics]** -- procedure 4-1 1. Mentally and physically prepare for the activity ahead of time -- rearrange furniture, get help, etc. 2. Position yourself close to object to use short lever arms 3. Maintain your vertical gravity line within your BOS and keep BOS wide 4. Keep your COG close to the object or patient you are moving 5. Use strong, powerful muscles (ie. Biceps brachii, quads, glutes) to lift, carry, push and maintain neutral spine 6. When possible, roll, push, pull, or slide rather than lift 7. Avoid simultaneous trunk flexion with rotation when lifting or reaching (L/S does not rotate) 8. Know your physical limitations and work within your own abilities 9. Warm up before lifting by performing gentle stretches (flexion and extension) for your back 10. When performing a lift with 2 or more helpers, be sure one person is in charge and everyone knows what to do. Use a mechanical (Hoyer) lift if possible. 11. Do not twist when you lift -- pivot your feet -- esp. for assembly line workers **[Lifting Techniques]** 1. Deep squat lift (Full squat) -- hips below level of knees; lifting heavy items off floor 2. Power lift (Half squat) -- hips remain above level of knees; lifting heavy item from a chair 3. Straight leg lift -- knees can be straight or slightly flexed; getting groceries out of car 4. Golfer's lift -- lift light items off the floor; use in lieu of straight leg lift 5. Half kneeling lift (Tripod) -- lift child, bag of grass seed off floor 6. Traditional lift -- disregard -- similar to deep squat except don't bend quite as far 7. Stoop lift -- lift an object off to one side with one arm -- lift a suitcase ** Pushing, Pulling, Reaching, and Carrying** {#pushing-pulling-reaching-and-carrying.ListParagraph} ============================================= - Use a crouched position (hips and knees slightly flexed) - The force of a push or pull should be parallel to the direction the object is to move (ex. pushing a W/C, sliding a patient from stretcher to bed) - More force is required to initiate movement so you may need to 'rock' patient first when begin to stand -- rocking helps to overcome inertia (a body's resistance to movement); **[exception]**: do not 'rock' patients with surgical precautions to avoid hip or trunk flexion (ex. s/p posterolateral THA or spinal surgery) - When reaching overhead, use step stool to get closer to object, keep your COG over your BOS, do not twist - When assisting a recumbent patient, first get the patient close to you by scooting or by sitting them up **Principles of Proper Posture** -- Box 4-4 {#principles-of-proper-posture-box-4-4.ListParagraph} =========================================== - Maintain proper lordosis in cervical and lumbar spines - Sit and stand with proper alignment -- avoid rounding your back or "slouching" - Stand with head aligned over your feet with normal lordosis and practice abdominal draw (TA iso) - Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods - Use a lumbar roll when sitting -- lumbar posture affects head position -- "where your eyes go, the body will follow" - Sleeping posture: use one pillow for head and/or a cervical roll and support your low back by placing a pillow between your knees