Body Mechanics PDF

Body Mechanics Prepared by Prof.Dr. Wafaa Ismail Shereif Prof.Dr. Amira Ahmed Outlines Introduction Definition of Body Mechanics Terminology Purpose of Body Mechanics Correct body alignment Risk Factors contributing to back injury: Principles of good body mech...

Body Mechanics Prepared by Prof.Dr. Wafaa Ismail Shereif Prof.Dr. Amira Ahmed Outlines Introduction Definition of Body Mechanics Terminology Purpose of Body Mechanics Correct body alignment Risk Factors contributing to back injury: Principles of good body mechanics Techniques of body mechanics used when performing work Types of assistive device  Body Mechanics Body movement requires coordinated muscle activity and neurological integration. It involves the basic elements of body alignment (posture), balance, and coordinated movement. Body alignment and posture bring body parts into position to promote optimal balance and body function. When the body is well aligned, whether standing, sitting, or lying, the strain on the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments is minimized.  Definition of Body Mechanics It is the coordinated and efficient use of body parts (bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments) to produce movement and maintain balance or equilibrium to the body in relation to both internal and external forces. It is the utilization of the correct muscle to complete a task safely and efficiently without undue strain to muscles or joints. Terminology: Posture (alignment): It is the relationship of body parts to one another Base of Support: Area on which an object rests and that provides support for the object Center of gravity: The point at which the mass of a body or object is centered; when weight on all sides is equal. Line of Gravity: an imaginary vertical line drawn through the body’s center of gravity  Cont. Terminology: Coordination: Smooth movement requires coordination between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Voluntary movement is initiated in the cerebral cortex. However, the cerebellum coordinates movements  Correct body alignment Back is straight. Head is erect. Arms are sides with elbow slightly flexed with hands palm forward. Knees are slightly flexed. Toes are pointed forward.  Purpose of Body Mechanics Reasons on the utilization of body mechanics are mainly to prevent and avoid the following: Excessive fatigue. Muscle strains or tears. Skeletal injuries. Injury to the patient. Injury to assisting staff members.  *Cont. Purpose of Body Mechanics ▪ Prevent deformities. ▪ In order to improve appearance. ▪ Maintain good body alignment. ▪ Demonstrate accurately the body movements. ▪ Promote comfort ▪ Safe effort, time, and energy  *Cont. Purpose of Body Mechanics ▪ The importance of body mechanics impacts healthcare workers such as nurses because of the frequent need to move and lift patients. ▪ Each time a nurse transfers a patient to the commode or chair, they risk back or neck injury if proper body mechanics are not followed. Risk Factors contributing to back injury: a. Excess weight b. Smoking c. Poor work postures and lifting practices d. Previous occurrences of back trouble e. Physical fitness not a predictor of risk but physically fit people do recover more quickly The time of most Common Mistakes from improper body mechanics ▪ When working with patients &Insufficient strength ▪ Lifting with the back bent and the legs straight ▪ Using fast jerking motions ▪ Bending and twisting at the same Time ▪ Load too far away ▪ Poor planning & Poor communication  Principles of good body mechanics Keep your back as straight as possible to maintain correct body alignment Avoid stopping back because the back muscles are shorter and easily fatigue Bend knees instead of back, this shift work to large muscles and strongest muscles (hip). Maintain stability of an object through use of wide base of support, low center of gravity and the line of gravity must fall within my base of support to maintain balance. 18  Principles of body mechanics The closer the line of gravity is to the center of the base of support, the greater the individual’s stability (Figure A). Conversely, the closer the line of gravity is to the edge of the base of support, the more precarious the balance (Figure B). If the line of gravity falls outside the base of support, the individual falls (Figure C).  Principles of body mechanics Push, pull or slide an object instead of lifting it because lifting necessitate forcing against line of gravity. It is easier and safer to pull an object toward your own center of gravity than to push it away, because you can exert more control of the object’s movement when pulling it. Use smooth, coordinated motions instead of jerky movements.  Principles of body mechanics Pivoting is a technique in which the body is turned in a way that avoids twisting of the spine. To pivot, place one foot ahead of the other Raise the heels very slightly 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 90 degrees in the desired direction. The foot that was forward will now be behind. 25  Principles of body mechanics Rolling, turning, or pivoting requires less work than lifting.  Principles of body mechanics When lifting an object from the ground, flex your knees and stoop dawn. Keep your back straight. Lift the object using your hip and legs muscles. Lifting; It is important to remember that nurses should not lift more than 35 pounds (15.9 kg) without assistance from proper equipment or other individuals.  Principles of body mechanics Keep the work as close as possible to your body. It puts less of a strain on your back, legs, and arms  Principles of body mechanics Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid excessive bending at the waist. Keep your body in good physical condition to reduce the chance of injury.  Principles of body mechanics 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. Alternating periods of rest and activity helps to reduce fatigue. Techniques of body mechanics used when performing work  How to Stand 1- Stand erect with your head high and your chin pointed slightly downward 2-Move your chest out slightly and your shoulder back 3-Tighten your abdominal muscles 4-Keep your knees straight but relaxed 5-Keep your feet slightly apart, with your toes pointed straight ahead N.B.: Never throw or suddenly move yourself from a lying to a standing position to prevent orthostatic hypotension  How to sit Steps Rational 1-Sit with your back straight against To prevent back strain the chair To provide stability 2-Thighs supported by the chair seat as - To prevent pressure on far as the curve of the knees popliteal artery. 3-Sit with feet flat in the floor - To maintain comfort, and prevent dependent edema. N.B.: -When you must sit for a long time, choose a firm, erect chair and change your position frequently. Computer Workstation  How to Walk 1-Walk with your body aligned the way as when standing. 2-Keep your feet parallel and close to each other 3-Push forward with your back foot, in an even, rhythmic stride, heel first, then outside part of the sole and then forefoot 4-Swing your arms easily as you walk  Lifting ❑ Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting. ❑ Bend at the knees and hips; keep your back straight. ❑ Lift straight upward, in one smooth motion  Lifting an object from a low level (Below waist level) 1. Start with standing position to maintain body balance 2. Assume a squat position facing the object or client. 3. Grasp the object and tighten the abdominal muscles. 4. Use the stronger leg muscles in lifting. 5. In carrying, hold the object at waist height and near the body. 6. Keep the upper trunk erect. 7. It is easier to pull, roll, push, turn, lever and pivot that it is to lift something. Lifting techniques using good body mechanics.  Reaching / Lifting an object above shoulder level 1. Stand directly in front of and close to the object. 2. Avoid twisting or stretching. 3. Use a stool or ladder for high objects. 4. Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support. 5. Before moving the object, be sure that it is not too large or too heavy.  Types of assistive equipment mobile-powered ceiling mounted lifts mechanical lifts sit-to-stand powered lifts friction-reducing devices Air transfer systems ANY QUESTIONS?? THANK YOU