Information Sheet 3.1-6
Principles of Proper Body Mechanics
Principles of Proper Body Mechanics
Learning Objectives
After reading this Information Sheet, you should be able to:
1. Explain in simple terms and in a brief statement the general principle of practicing proper body mechanics
2. Describe different concepts and examples of practicing proper body mechanics.
3. Appreciate the importance of proper body mechanics in the work place.
Body mechanics is the use of the human body with regards to its structure, function and position in relation other body parts or external factors. Proper body mechanics is the correct use of the body in relation to daily activities and work.
It is important for us to practice proper body mechanics since we are going to work with different kinds of people and equipment in different sizes and weight; also to prevent injury not just to us but also to other health care givers and the patient.
The correct use of body mechanics is a part of illness prevention and illness prevention and health promotion.
Practicing Body Mechanics
• Body mechanics is the efficient, coordinated and safe use of the body to
move objects and carry- out the activities of daily living.
• Good body mechanics is essential to both health care workers and clients
to maintain balance, reduce the energy required, reduce fatigue and decrease the risk of injury.
Concepts most helpful to the understanding of body mechanics are those concerned with the effect ofgravity and balance.
The Effect of the Base of Support and Gravity on Balance
Balance is maintained when the line gravity falls close to the base of support. B, Balance is precarious when the line gravity falls at the edge of the base of support. C, Balance cannot be maintained when the line of gravity falls outside the base of support.
An object is stable when its center of gravity is close to its base of support, when the line of gravity goes through the base of support, and when the object has a wide base of support
Guidelines and Principles Related to Body
Guidelines and Principles Related to Body MechaniMechanicscs
Action Rationale
Action Rationale
Plan the move or transfer
carefully. Free the
surrounding area of
obstacles and move
required equipment near the head or foot of the bed.
Appropriate preparation prevents
potential falls and injury and safeguards the client and equipment.
Obtain the assistance of
other people or use
mechanical devices to move objects that are too heavy.
Encourage clients to assist as much as possible by
pushing or pulling
themselves to reduce your muscle effort.
The heavier an object, the greater the force needed to move the object.
Date Developed: Document No.
Use arms as levers
whenever possible to
increase lifting power. Adjust the working area to waist level, and keep the body close to the area.
Elevate adjustable beds
and overbed tables or lower the side rails of beds to
prevent stretching and
reaching.
Objects that are close to the center of gravity are moved with the least effort.
Provide a firm, smooth, dry
bed foundation before
moving a client in bed or use a pull sheet.
Less friction between the object moved and the surface on which it is moved requires less energy.
Always face the direction of the movement.
Ineffective use of the major muscle groups occurs when the spine is rotated or twisted.
Start any body movement
with proper alignment.
Stand as close as possible to the object to be moved. Avoid stretching, reaching and twisting, which may place the line of gravity
outside the base of
support.
Balance is maintained and muscle strain is avoided as long as the line of gravity passes through the base of support.
Before moving an object, increase your stability by widening your stance and flexing your knees, hips, and ankles.
The wider the base of support and the lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability.
Before moving an object,
contract your gluteal,
abdominal, leg, and arm muscles to prepare them for action.
The greater the preparatory isometric tensing, or contraction of muscles, before moving an object, the less the energy required to move it, and the less the likelihood of musculoskeletal strain and injury.
Avoid working against gravity. Pull, push, roll, or turn objects instead of lifting them. Lower the head of the client's bed before moving the client up in bed.
Moving an object along a level surface requires less energy than moving an object up an inclined surface or lifting it against the force of gravity.
Use your gluteal and leg muscles rather than the sacrospinal muscles of your back to exert an upward thrust when lifting.
Distribute the workload
between both arms and legs to prevent back strain.
The synchronized use of as many large muscle groups as possible during an activity increases overall strength and prevents muscle fatigue and injury.
When pushing an object, enlarge the base of support by moving the front foot forward.
Likewise, when pulling an object, enlarge the base of support by either moving the rear leg back if facing the object or moving the front foot forward if facing away from the object.
Balance is maintained with minimal effort when the base of support is enlarged in the direction in which the movement will occur.
When moving or carrying objects, hold them as close as possible to your center of gravity.
The closer the line of gravity to the center of the base of support, the greater the stability.
Use the weight of the body as a force for pulling or pushing, by rocking on the feet or leaning forward or backward.
Body weight adds force to counteract the weight of the object and reduces the amount of strain on the arms and back.
Alternate rest periods with periods of muscle use to help prevent fatigue.
Continuous muscle exertion can result in muscle strain and injury.
Date Developed: Document No.