Body Mechanics

Definition:

Refers to the movement and coordination of the body in response to stimuli and the body’s coordinated efforts to maintain its balance while responding to the stimuli. It is used to describe efficient body movement to move other person or object.

Three basin elements:
1. Spiral alignment (posture)
2. Balance (stability)
3. Coordinated body movement

Purposes:
1. To maintain good body posture
2. To help promote good physiologic functions of the body.
3. To use the body correctly and to maintain its effectiveness.
4. To help prevent injury to or limitation of the musculo-skeletal system.

Body mechanics for Health Care Workers
1. When planning to move client, arrange for adequate help. Use mechanical aids if help is unavailable. Two workers lifting together divide the workload by 50%.
2. Encourage client to assist as much as possible. This promotes clients independence and strength while minimizing workload.
3. Keep back, neck, pelvis, and feet aligned. Avoid twisting. Reduces risk of injury to lumbar vertebrae and muscle groups. Twisting increases risk of injury.
4. Flex knees; keep feet wide apart. A broad base of support increases stability.
5. Position self close to client (or object being lifted). The force is minimized Ten pounds held at waist height close to body is equal to 100 pounds held at arm’s length.
6. Use arms and legs (not back). The leg muscles are stronger, larger muscle capable of greater work without injury.
7. Slide client toward yourself using a pull sheet. Sliding requires less effort then lifting. Pull sheet minimizes shearing forces, which can damage client’s skill.
8. Set (tighten) abdominal and gluteal muscles is preparation for move. Preparing muscles for the load minimizes strain and stabilizes the trunk.
9. Person on a lift team with the heaviest load coordinates efforts of the lift team involved by counting to three. Simultaneous lifting minimizes the load for any one lift.