Body Mechanics Unit 103

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

103.1 Body Mechanics efficient use of body as a machine

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

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

Terms Balance steady position

Terms Base of Support area on which object rests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.