Body Mechanics Study Notes

  • Body Mechanics

  • Coordinated use of body parts to produce motion and maintain balance.

  • Importance for Healthcare Workers

  • Healthcare workers often suffer from musculoskeletal strains due to improper body mechanics.

  • Many injuries can be prevented through conscious use of proper body mechanics during physical labor, thereby reducing the risk of:

    • Back pain

    • Excessive fatigue

    • Muscular strains

    • Skeletal injuries

    • Injuries to both nurse and client.

  • Key Terms

  • Base of Support

    • The foundation an object rests upon. For humans, this is primarily the feet, with weight distributed through the soles and heels.

  • Center of Gravity

    • The point where the mass of the body is centered, located in the pelvis, midway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis.

  • Line of Gravity

    • An imaginary vertical line that extends through the center of gravity and base of support; it should pass through the knees and in front of the ankle joint for stability.

  • Patient Handling

  • Turning a Patient:

    • Assess patient's abilities and find assistance if needed.

    • Position the bed for comfort and adjust the patient’s arms and legs accordingly.

    • Utilize proper body mechanics to prevent injury when rolling or adjusting patients.

  • Principles of Body Mechanics

  1. Wider Base of Support:

    • A greater stability achieved by spreading feet apart (12 inches recommended).

  2. Large Muscle Groups:

    • Use stronger muscles from legs, arms, and shoulders instead of straining the back.

  3. Maintain Line of Gravity:

    • Keep weight near center of gravity and work close to the body to minimize strain.

  4. Face Direction of Movement:

    • Prevent twisting of the spine by pivoting with the feet.

  5. Lower Center of Gravity:

    • Maintain a comfortable height to avoid excessive bending.

  6. Reduce Muscle Fatigue:

    • Bring objects close to the body before lifting.

  7. Reduce Friction:

    • Use pushing or sliding mechanisms instead of lifting when possible.

  8. Seek Assistance:

    • Recognize when assistance is necessary for moving clients safely.

  • Body Alignment

  • Maintain natural alignment:

    • Head straight, shoulders rolled back, back arched, pelvis aligned.

  • Correct Lifting Techniques

  • Always keep the back straight.

  • Rotate the whole body when turning, rather than twisting the back.

  • Body Positioning

  • Standing:

    • Head and shoulders erect, abdomen tucked, arms at sides, feet slightly apart, knees aligned with hips.

  • Sitting:

    • Straight spine, flat buttocks, shoulders relaxed, feet flat on the floor, arms on armrests.

  • Patient Moving Techniques

  • Assess patient’s ability and assist wherever possible.

  • Use principles of body mechanics in every patient handling task, such as moving up in bed or transferring to a wheelchair.

  • Logrolling technique for patients with spinal injuries to maintain alignment without twisting.

  • Factors Affecting Body Alignment and Mobility

  • Developmental: Age of the client.

  • Health: Chronic or acute diseases.

  • Musculoskeletal: Congenital or acquired conditions.

  • Nervous System: Stroke effects.

  • Cardiovascular Issues: Such as orthostatic hypotension.

  • Pulmonary Conditions: E.g., pneumonia.

  • Metabolic: Immobility influences metabolism.

  • Integumentary: Skin integrity issues.

  • Urinary: Risks such as stasis or infections.

  • Mental Health: Depression impacts physical processes.

  • Positioning Clients

  • Fowler's Position: Head elevated 45-90 degrees, assists with respiration and eating.

  • Supine Position: Lying on back, used for comfort and healing.

  • Side-lying/Lateral Position: Reduces pressure on specific body points, beneficial for resting.

  • Sims Position: Weight distributed among different points to prevent skin breakdown.

  • Prone Position: Used to avoid joint contractures, but not for spinal injury patients.

  • Lateral Recumbent Position: Comfort and pressure relief.

    Mechanical Devices

  • EZ Lift electric lift is an example that aids in lifting clients from different positions.