Body Mechanics

• Body mechanics


  The efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to move objects and carry out the activities of daily living
• Good body mechanics


  • Prevents health complications
  • Prevents musculo-skeletal strain and physical injury of the nurse and the client
  • Promotes correct body alignment
  • Facilitates coordinated, efficient use of muscle when moving the client
  • Conserves energy of nurse in accomplishing of other tasks
• Lifting is the most common cause of back injuries among healthcare workers
• Assessment


  1. Assesses presence of deformities or abnormalities of vertebrae or limbs

  2. Assesses client's and care giver's capabilities and tolerance for required and desired activities

  3. Assesses characteristics of object to be moved during client care (e.g. height, weight shape)

  4. Assesses adequacy of function and stability of all equipment to be used

  5. Assesses current level of knowledge of assistive personnel, client and family on proper usage of body mechanics and body alignment

  
• Anatomy of a healthy back

  • Natural curves (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx)
  • Discs (round-shaped cartilage that absorb shocks and separate vertebrae)

  
• Muscles and joints


  • Several muscle groups help support spine (abdomen, back)
  • Flexible joints allow back to provide range of motion (hips, knees, ankles)
• Base of support (BOS)


  The area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface
• Center of gravity


  The area around which the mass of the object is concentrated, usually located just below the navel and halfway between the abdomen and lower back
• Line of gravity


  An imaginary vertical line from the centre of gravity to the ground or surface the object or person is on
• Rules for proper body mechanics

  • Maintain broad base of support, 12 inches
  • Bend your knees
  • Keep back straight
  • Use largest muscles to do work-lift smoothly
  • Keep load close
  • Push or pull instead of lifting
  • Face work-void twisting while turning
  • Don't over reach
  • Get help if too heavy
• The use of body mechanics will not necessarily prevent injury if manually handling a load greater than 35 pounds without the use of assistive devices
• Avoid lifting anything greater than 35 pounds. Use assistive equipment, get help from coworkers, and participate in the purchasing/ordering process of appropriate assistive equipment for your work setting
• Become consciously aware of your posture and body mechanics
• When standing for a period of time, periodically move legs and hips, and flex one hip and knee and rest your foot on an object if possible
• When sitting, keep your knees slightly higher than your hips
• Use a firm mattress and soft pillow that provide good body support at natural body curvatures
• Exercise regularly to maintain overall physical condition and regulate weight; include exercises that strengthen the pelvic, abdominal, and spinal muscles
• Avoid movements that cause pain or require spinal flexion with straight legs (e.g., toe-touching and sit-ups) or spinal rotation (twisting)
• When moving an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support
• Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes that provide good foot support and reduce the risk of slipping, stumbling, or turning your ankle
• Some of the most common injuries sustained by members of the health care team are severe musculoskeletal strains
• Body mechanics


  The efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to move objects and carry out the activities of daily living
• Proper body mechanics


  • Prevents health complications
  • Avoids musculo-skeletal strain and physical injury of the nurse and the client
  • Promotes correct body alignment
  • Facilitates coordinated, efficient use of muscle when moving the client
  • Conserves energy of nurse in accomplishing of other tasks
• Lifting is the most common cause of back injuries among healthcare workers
• Assessment


  1. Assesses presence of deformities or abnormalities of vertebrae or limbs

  2. Assesses client's and care giver's capabilities and tolerance for required and desired activities

  3. Assesses characteristics of object to be moved during client care (e.g. height, weight shape)

  4. Assesses adequacy of function and stability of all equipment to be used

  5. Assesses current level of knowledge of assistive personnel, client and family on proper usage of body mechanics and body alignment
• Anatomy of a Healthy Back

  • Natural curves (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum and coccyx)
  • Discs (round-shaped cartilage that absorb shocks and separate vertebrae)
  • Muscles and Joints (several muscle groups help support spine, flexible joints allow back to provide range of motion)
• Base of support (BOS)


  The area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface
• Center of gravity


  The area around which the mass of the object is concentrated, usually located just below the navel and halfway between the abdomen and lower back
• Line of gravity


  An imaginary vertical line from the centre of gravity to the ground or surface the object or person is on, the direction that gravity is acting upon the person or object
• The use of body mechanics will not necessarily prevent injury if manually handling a load greater than 35 pounds without the use of assistive devices
• Avoid lifting anything greater than 35 pounds. Use assistive equipment, get help from coworkers, and participate in the purchasing/ordering process of appropriate assistive equipment for your work setting
• Become consciously aware of your posture and body mechanics
• When standing for a period of time, periodically move legs and hips, and flex one hip and knee and rest your foot on an object if possible
• When sitting, keep your knees slightly higher than your hips
• Use a firm mattress and soft pillow that provide good body support at natural body curvatures
• Exercise regularly to maintain overall physical condition and regulate weight; include exercises that strengthen the pelvic, abdominal, and spinal muscles
• Avoid movements that cause pain or require spinal flexion with straight legs (e.g., toe-touching and sit-ups) or spinal rotation (twisting)
• When moving an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support
• Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes that provide good foot support and reduce the risk of slipping, stumbling, or turning your ankle
• Bones in cervical 


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