1. Body Mechanics
Unit 103

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

3. 103.1 Body Mechanics
efficient use of body as a machine

4. 103.1 Body 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

5. Terms Alignment having parts in proper relationship to each other
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacro-
coccygeal

6. Terms
Balance
steady position

7. Terms
Base of Support
area on which object rests

8. Terms Gravity Center of gravity
force that pulls object toward center of the earth
Center of gravity
area on which mass of object is centered
Line of Gravity vertical line that passes through center of gravity

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Body at Work
Bend at knees and hips, use leg muscles, and keep back straight when lifting

14. Body at Work Avoid twisting and stretching muscles
Rest between periods of exertion

15. 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!

16. Concepts of Moving a Patient or Object
Muscle
produce forces that move levers
Fulcrum
a fixed point about which a lever moves
example: elbow

17. Concepts of Moving a 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.