1. Proper Body Mechanics

2. Why is this Important to you?
Health care providers must know how to properly apply the principles of body mechanics to minimize personal and client injury
The number of injuries in health care facilities related to improper use of body mechanics has risen over the years
Why is this Important to you?

3. Types of Levers in the Body
First Class Lever
Head being tipped backward on the atlas
The facial portion of the skull is the load, the joint between the skull and the atlas is the fulcrum, and muscles of the back produce the pull
Types of Levers in the Body

4. Types of Levers in the Body
Second Class Lever
Raising the body on the toes
The point of contact between the toes and the ground is the fulcrum, the load is located at the ankle, and the pull is exerted at the gastrocnemius (the muscle in the calf)
Types of Levers in the Body

5. Types of Levers in the Body
Third Class Lever
Flexing of the forearm at the elbow joint as in lifting a hand weight
The load is the weight in the hand, the pull is the biceps brachii muscle, and the fulcrum is the elbow.
This is the most common lever in the body
Types of Levers in the Body

6. Principles of Body Mechanics
Use the larger and stronger muscles to perform work
When moving heavy objects, push or pull instead of lifting
Get help!
Maintain good posture
Back straight
Knees bent
Weight evenly distributed on both feet
Feet shoulder width apart (about 12 inches)
Avoid twisting your whole body
Keep objects close to your body when listing or carrying
Avoid unnecessary bending
Principles of Body Mechanics

7. When should you use body mechanics?
You should use proper body mechanics at all times!
In everyday activity such as carrying your schools books, getting in or out of your car, moving a chair
In health care setting such as when moving a patient to or from a chair, picking up supplies, or positioning a patient in bed
When should you use body mechanics?

8. Ergonomics Ergonomics: the science of work
Fit the work to the user instead of forcing the user to the work
OSHA has developed a policy of “no lifting” in Long Term Care Facilities and other high risk areas
Ergonomics

9. Let’s try it out! Find a partner
Number 1-5 on a piece of notebook paper
Go through the five activities on the Body Mechanics Activity worksheet one partner at a time and check off on your notebook paper once your partner does each activity correctly
Let’s try it out!

10. Range of Motion: the complete extent of movement of which a joint is capable

11. Range of Motion Active Range of Motion
Movements performed by the patient without help
Range of Motion

12. Range of Motion Passive Range of Motion
Movement cannot be performed by the patient and the health care worker moves each join through its range of motion
Range of Motion

13. Range of Motion Active Assistive Range of Motion
The patient does the exercises with some assistance from another person
Range of Motion