Body Mechanics (2A03)

Why do we ensure ergonomics while working in healthcare?

- Suiting a HCW physical capabilities, enhancing comfort and efficiency

- Reduces risk of MSK disorders

What is a MSI?

Musculoskeletal injury

- injury/disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissue including sprain, strain, or inflammation related to a work injury

What was the most common cause of back injury for healthcare workers?

Patient lifts and transfers

What are the risk factors that contribute to an MSI?

1. Ergonomic risk factors: repetitive awkward postures, forceful exertion

2. Individual risk factors: poor overall health (smoking, drinking, obesity), poor rest & recovery, poor fitness, poor hydration and nutrition

How is body alignment achieved?

Placing one part of the body in line with another body part in a vertical or horizontal line

What is the center of gravity? Where is it located?

- Point at which the body is balanced

- Located in pelvis/lower abdomen

What happens to the centre of gravity when a load that is far from the body is added?

Your body's centre of gravity and the object's centre of gravity averages in the middle, making you less stable

What is the base of support? What is an ideal base of support, narrow or wide?

- Point b/w feet when erect that provides stability while standing/moving

- Wide base of support is ideal foundation for stability

What is the line of gravity?

imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity

(most stable as it bisects base of support)

When is the body most stable?

when the center of gravity is closest to the base of support

Name 5 principles of body mechanics.

- Assess the envrio to ensure you can lift a load w/o assistance

- Plan the move

- Avoid stretching/twisting

- Ensure proper body stance

- Stand close to object being moved

- Face direction of movement

- Avoid lifting

- Work at waist level

- Reduce friction b/w surfaces

- Bend the knees

- Push object if you can't pull

- Use assistive devices

- Work w/ others

How can you ensure safety while lifting a patient?

- Short lever arms

- Centre of gravity close to body and the centre of gravity of the object (lower COG)

- Maintain vertical line of gravity within the base of support

What is an assistive device?

Object/piece of equipment designed to help a pt w/ activities of daily living (ex. walker, cane, gait belt, mechanical lift)

What things should you keep in mind when using an assistive device to help transfer a pt?

- Use the device only if properly trained in their safe use

- Always tell pt what you're about to do and how they should assist you in the procedure

- Perform a pt risk assessment/mobility assessment prior to using any assistive device

- Use proper body mechanics

What is lordosis?

anterior curve of the lumbar spine (normal position)

What is a golfer's lift?

one leg goes up when bending down to pick something up

When you are asked to move a heavy object off the floor, what type of lift would you use?

Squat lift

When doing a moderate stand step transfer from a wheelchair to bed, where should you put your hands to control the pelvis?

PSIS

When doing a maximum stand step transfer from a bed to wheelchair, where should you put your hands to control the pelvis?

IT

When would you use a step stool transfer (HINT: 2)?

- If surface you're transferring to has a fixed height

- If surface you're transferring to is higher than the wheelchair

What should the height of the stretcher be in a multi-person transfer?

Avg height between all ppl performing the transfer

When navigating around tight corners, what mode should the stretcher be on?

Neutral

When transporting a client on a stretcher for further distances, which mode should you switch the stretcher to?

Steer

Which of the patient's body parts need to be on the transfer board before beginning the transfer? (HINT: 2)

Shoulders and feet

TRUE or FALSE: It is better/easier to pull a patient on a stretcher compared to pushing a patient on a stretcher.

FALSE

What is kyphosis?

Flexion of thoracic spine (hunchback)

(Not a good position)

When is a power lift used?

When object is elevated (not on the ground) and hips don't need to go below the knees

TRUE or FALSE: When you're transferring a patient in a wheelchair into an elevator, you push the wheelchair in first.

FALSE: When you're transferring a patient in a wheelchair into an elevator, you (the healthcare provider) will go in first and pull the wheelchair in after you.

What does a moderate step transfer mean?

HCW does 50% of the work and pt does 50% of the work

What does a maximum step transfer mean?

HCW does 75% of the work and pt does 25% of the work

TRUE or FALSE: If you're moving a patient from their stretcher to a bed, the stretcher should be at the same level or slightly below the bed.

FALSE: If you're moving a patient from their stretcher to a bed, the stretcher should be at the same level or slightly ABOVE the bed. This is because you want to move patients on a DECLINE, not an incline.