2. Body Mechanics
• It 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.
3. Purposes
1. To prevent physical injury of the healthcare giver and
the client
2. To promote correct body alignment
3. To facilitate coordinated, efficient muscle use when
moving client
4. To conserve energy of nurse for accomplishing other
tasks
4. • Balance depends on the interrelationship of:
– Center of gravity
– Line of gravity
– Base of support
• The closer the line of gravity is to the center of the base
of support, the greater the person’s stability.
• The broader the base of support and the lower the
center of gravity, the greater the stability and balance.
5.
6. • Body balance can be greatly enhanced by:
– Widening the base of support e.g. spreading the feet farther
apart
– Lowering the center of gravity, bringing it closer to the base of
support e.g. flexing the hips and knees until a squatting
position is achieved
7. • 2 movements to avoid because of their potential for
causing back injury
– Twisting (rotation) of the thoracolumbar spine
– Acute flexion of the back with hips and knees straight
(stooping)
8. Lifting
• Hold the lifted object as close as possible to the body’s
center of gravity
• Use a lever (arms) to lift more weight
• Use major muscle groups of the thighs, knees, upper and
lower arms, abdomen, and pelvis to prevent back strain
• Flex the back and knees until the load is at thigh level at
which point the knees remain flexed to provide thrust as the
back begins to straighten
• Remain a distance of at least 30 cm (12 in.) between the
feet and to keep the load close to the body
9.
10.
11. Pulling and Pushing
• When pushing:
– Enlarge the base of support by moving the front foot forward
• When pulling:
– Moving the rear leg back if the person is facing the object
– Moving the front foot forward if the person is facing away
from the object
12. Pivoting
• It is a technique in which the body is turned in a way that
avoids twisting of the spine.
• Place one foot ahead of the other, raise the heels very
slightly, and put the body weight on the balls of the feet.
• When the weight is off the heels, the frictional surface is
decreased and the knees are not twisted when turning.
• Keeping the body aligned, turn (pivot) about 90degrees in
the desired direction. The foot that was forward will now be
behind.
13.
14. • Pls see Table 42-4 Summary of Guidelines and Principles
Related to Body Mechanics
15. Implementation
Action Rationale
1. Keep weight balance above It provides greater stability.
base of support.
2. Enlarge base of support as Balance is maintained with
necessary. minimal effort when the base
of support is enlarged in the
direction in which the
movement will occur.
16. Implementation
Action Rationale
3. Lower the center of gravity The closer the line or gravity to
toward base of support as center of the base of support,
necessary. the greater the stability.
4. Enlarge base of support in The wider the base of support
direction in which force is to be and the lower the center of
applied. gravity, the greater the
stability.
17. Implementation
Action Rationale
5. Tighten abdominal and The greater the preparatory
gluteal muscle in preparation isometric tensing, or
for all gravities. contraction of muscle, before
moving an object, the less
energy is required to move it,
and the less likelihood of
musculoskeletal strain and
injury
18. Implementation
Action Rationale
6. Face the direction of the task This is done for effective use of
and turn body into one place. major muscle groups when the
spine is rotated or twisted.
7. Bend hips and knees (rather The wider the base of support
than back) when lifting. and the lower the center of
gravity, the greater the
stability.
19. Implementation
Action Rationale
8. Move objects on level It prevents unnecessary use of
surfaces when possible. back muscle when performing
a task.
9. Slide (rather than lift) objects Less friction between the
on a smooth surfaces when object moved and the surface
possible. on which it is moved requires
less energy.
20. Implementation
Action Rationale
10. Hold objects close to body The face is minimized. Ten
and stand close to objects be pounds held at waist height
moved. close to body is equal to 100
lbs held at arm’s length.
11. Use body weight to assist in Body weight adds face to
lifting or moving when counter act the weight of
possible. object and reduces the amount
of strain on the arms and back.
21. Implementation
Action Rationale
12. Use smooth motions and The synchronized use of as
reasonable speed when many large muscle groups as
carrying out task. possible during an activity
increases overall strength and
prevents muscle fatigue and
injury.
22. Implementation
Action Rationale
13. When moving client, use a Pulling creates less friction than
pulling motion whenever pushing.
possible.
14. Raise the working surface Objects that are close to the
to your waist level when center of gravity moves with
possible. less effort.
