Module 5 - Body Mechanics Terminology

Alignment

the proper positioning and arrangement of body structures, such as bones, joints, and muscles.

Ambulate

the act of walking or moving around.

Base of Support

the area on which an object or person stands or sits and maintains stability

Body Mechanics

the study of how the human body moves and interacts with its environment.

Dangle

a position where a patient sits on the edge of the bed with their legs hanging over the side.

Dorsal Recumbent 

a medical posture where a patient lies flat on their back with their legs slightly bent at the knees. 

Fowler’s Position

a patient's body position where the head and upper body are elevated at an angle.

Gait Belt

a safety device used to assist individuals with balance and mobility issues.

Grasp

the act of seizing or holding something firmly.

Hoyer Lift

a medical device used to assist individuals with limited mobility in transferring between surfaces such as beds, chairs, and bathtubs. 

Lateral Position

a medical posture where the patient lies on their side. 

Lift/Draw/Turn

techniques for moving patients safely to prevent injury to both the patient and caregiver.

Lift Team

techniques for moving patients safely to prevent injury to both the patient and caregiver.

Lithotomy

a surgical procedure and a patient positioning technique. 

Logroll

a technique used to move a patient while keeping their spine straight and aligned.

Mechanical Lift

a device used in medical scenarios to safely transfer patients who cannot independently bear weight

Pivot

a freely moveable joint (diarthrosis) that allows only rotary movement around a single axis.

Prone Position

lying face down on the stomach. It is an anatomical position where the body is lying with the head, chest, and abdomen facing downward. 

Sim’s Position

a body position where the patient lies on their left side with their right knee and hip bent. The left leg is usually straight. 

Supine Position

a lying position where the person is flat on their back, with their face and torso facing upward. 

Trapeze

a device used to assist patients with mobility and positioning. It typically consists of a horizontal bar suspended from the ceiling or bed frame by ropes or chains. 

Trendelenberg

a medical posture where the patient is tilted head-down at an angle of 15-30 degrees.

Total Quality Improvement (TQI)

a systematic approach to continuously improve the quality and safety of patient care.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMD)

a condition of the muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, joints, or spinal discs that is either caused or made worse by work activities.