Concept about Body Mechanics

Concept about Body Mechanics | CHAPTER 13 | Basic Science

Concept about Body Mechanics – Introduction to fundamental concepts of Biological Science including the organization and common characteristics of living matters, cell structures and functions, food production by photosynthesis, harvesting energy, mechanism of cells reproduction, genetics, evolutions, and Human Biology. Introduction to general chemistry including basic concepts about matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds, gases, liquid, and solids, solutions, chemical reactions, acid, bases, and salt;

organic and biochemistry including hydrocarbons and their derivatives, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, nucleic acids; principles of physics and applications to nursing including gravity and mechanics, pressure, heat and electricity; nuclear chemistry and nuclear physics, effects of radiation on human beings, and protection and disposal. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and skills in general biological science, general chemistry and physics.

 

Concept about Body Mechanics

Definition of Body Mechanics

Body mechanics is defined as “the study of proper body movement to prevent and correct posture problems, reduce stress and enhance physical capabilities,”

or

Body mechanics involves the coordinated effort of muscles, bones, and the nervous system to maintain balance, posture, and alignment during moving, transferring, and positioning patients. Proper body mechanics allows individuals to carry out activities without excessive use of energy, and helps prevent injuries for patients and health care providers

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Elements of Body Mechanics

Body movement requires coordinated muscle activity and neurological integration. It involves the basic elements of body alignment (posture), balance, and coordinated movement. Body alignment and posture bring body parts into position to promote optimal balance and body function. When the body is well aligned, whether standing, sitting, or lying, the strain on the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments is minimized.

Body alignment is achieved by placing one body part in line with another body part in a vertical or horizontal line. Correct alignment contributes to body balance and decreases strain on muscle- skeletal structures. Without this balance, the risk of falls and injuries increase. In the language of body mechanics, the centre of gravity is the centre of the weight of an object or person. A lower centre of gravity increases stability.

This can be achieved by bending the knees and bringing the centre of gravity closer to the base of support, keeping the back straight. A wide base of support is the foundation for stability. A wide base of support is achieved by placing feet a comfortable, shoulder width distance apart. When a vertical line falls from the centre of gravity through the wide base of support, body balance is achieved. If the vertical line moves outside the base of support, the body will lose balance.

The diagram in Figure demonstrates

A. A well-aligned person whose balance is maintained and whose line of gravity falls within the base of support.

B. Demonstrates how balance is not maintained when the line of gravity falls outside the base of support, and diagram

C. Shows how balance is regained when the line of gravity falls within the base of support.

 

Figure: Centre of gravity

Principles of Body Mechanics

Principles of body mechanics that should be applied during all patient-handling activities.

Principles of Body Mechanics
ActionPrinciple
Assess the environment.
  • Assess the weight of the load before lifting and determine if assistance is required
Plan the move
  • Plan the move; gather all supplies and clear the area of obstacles.
Avoid stretching and twisting
  • Avoid stretching, reaching, and twisting, which may place the line of gravity outside the base of support.
Ensure proper body stance.
  • Keep stance (feet) shoulder-width apart.
  • Tighten abdominal, gluteal, and leg muscles in aut anticipation of the move
  • Stand up straight to protect the back and provide balance.
Stand close to the object being moved.
  • Place the weight of the object being moved close to b your centre of gravity for balance.
  • Equilibrium is maintained as long as the line of gravity passes through its base of support,
Face direction of the movement.
  • Facing the direction prevents abnormal twisting of the spiner
Avoid lifting.
  • Turning, rolling, pivoting, and leverage requires less work than lifting.
  • Do not lift if possible; use mechanical lifts as required.
  • Encourage the patient to help as much as possible.
Work at waist level.
  • Keep all work at waist level to avoid stooping.
  • Raise the height of the bed or object if possible
  • Do not bend at the waist.
Reduce friction between surfaces.
  • Reduce friction between surfaces so that less force is required to move the patient.
Bend the knees.
  • Bending the knees maintains your centre of gravity and lets the strong muscles of your legs do the lifting.
Push the object rather than pull it, and maintain continuous movement.
  • It is easier to push an object than to pull it.
  • Less energy is required to keep an object moving than it is to stop and start it.
Use assistive devices.
  • Use assistive devices (gait belt, slider boards, mechanical lifts) as required to position patients and transfer them from one surface to another.
Work with others.
  • The person with the heaviest load should coordinate all the effort of the others involved in the handling technique.

 

Concept about Body Mechanics

 

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