Body mechanics

1. Body
Mechanics
By
Prof. Andrew Jay C. Britania
25 January 2023

2. Introduction
Some of the most common injuries
sustained by members of the health care
team are severe musculoskeletal strains.
Many injuries can be avoided by the
conscious use of proper body
mechanics when performing physical
work.

4. Definition
Body mechanics is the term used
to describe the efficient,
coordinated, and safe use of the
body to move objects and carry
out the Activities of Daily
Living (ADL’s).

5. Observations . . .

6. Proper Mov’t = reduced fatigue and risk of injury

7. Observations . . .

8. Proper Mov’t = reduced fatigue and risk of injury

9. NURSES often need to teach clients.
It is important to provide safety for both the nurse and
the client.

10. Principles of Body Mechanics
 The laws of physics govern all
movement. From these laws we derive
the general principles of body
mechanics.
 Principles underlying proper body
mechanics involve three major factors:
center of gravity (COG), base of support
(BOS), and line of gravity (LOG).

11. Observations . . .

12. Principles of Body Mechanics
1. Center of Gravity (COG)
 In the language of body mechanics, the
center of gravity is the center of the
weight of a person.
 A lower center of gravity increases
stability. This can be achieved by
bending the knees and bringing the
center of gravity closer to the base of
support, keeping the back straight.

13. Principles of Body Mechanics
1. Center of Gravity (COG)
 The point where the mass of the body
is CONCENTRATED.
Observations . . .

14. Principles of Body Mechanics
1. Center of Gravity (COG)
-- IN OUR BODY --
Observations . . .

15. Principles of Body Mechanics
1. Center of Gravity (COG)
-- IN OUR BODY --

16. Principles of Body Mechanics
2. Base of Support (BOS)
 A person’s feet provide the base of
support.
 The wider the base of support, the
more stable the object, within limits.
(The feet must not be too wide apart,
as this would cause instability.) The
feet are spread sidewise when lifting, to
give side-to-side stability.

18. Principles of Body Mechanics
3. Line of Gravity (LOG)
 The line of gravity is an imaginary
vertical line from the center of
gravity to the ground or surface the
object or person is on. It is the
direction that gravity is acting upon the
person or object.

20. Conclusion?

21. Components of Body Mechanics
 Posture
 Base of Support and Center of
Gravity
 Muscle-groups
 Lifting technique

22. Components of Body Mechanics
POSTURE
 Posture refers to proper spinal alignment while
sitting, standing and sleeping.

23. Components of Body Mechanics
POSTURE

24. Components of Body Mechanics
 BASE of SUPPORT and
CENTER of GRAVITY
Before lifting, pushing, or pulling it is
advantageous to widen your base of
support by placing your feet shoulder-
width apart. To improve balance and
reduce the risk of injury you can place one
foot slightly in front of the other. To evenly
distribute your weight keep your body
centered over your feet. When carrying
objects keep them close to your body to
bring its center of gravity as close as
possible to your center of gravity.

25. Components of Body Mechanics
 BASE of SUPPORT and
CENTER of GRAVITY

26. Components of Body Mechanics
 MUSCLE-GROUPS
In order to accomplish tasks to reduce risk of
injury, it is imperative to use larger muscle
groups in your arms, legs, and torso.

27. Components of Body Mechanics
 LIFTING TECHNIQUE
In order to protect the spine when lifting it is
crucial to use good form. Good form entails:
•Keep your back straight
•Squatting down to the level of the object
you want to lift before lifting
•Do not to bend at the waist
•Pull the object close to your body before
standing.
•Draw in your abdominal muscles as you
rise to stand.

28. Components of Body Mechanics
 LIFTING TECHNIQUE

29. Components of Body Mechanics
 LIFTING TECHNIQUE

30.  Lifting technique
Golfer’s Lift Technique

31.  Lifting technique
Golfer’s Lift Technique
If there is no way to avoid bending then you can
use a "golfer's lift". This will prevent your spine from
bending and reduce your risk of injury.

32.  Lifting technique
Golfer’s Lift Technique

33.  Lifting technique
Golfer’s Lift Technique

34. Purposes:
 To facilitate the safe and efficient use of the
appropriate muscle groups
 To maintain balance
 To reduce the energy required
 To reduce fatigue
 To decrease the risk of the injury
 To maintain good posture
 To help promote good physiologic functions of the
body
 To use the body correctly and maintain its
effectiveness

35. 3 Basic Elements Involved:
1. Body Alignment
 refers to correct positioning of head,
back, and limbs
Posture: position of body
parts in relation to each other

36. 2. Balance
 the ability to maintain a steady
position that does not tip
3. Coordinated Body Movements
 Involves the integrated functioning of the
musculoskeletal and nervous system as
well as joint mobility.

48. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
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