Transcript lecture
CHAPTER IV
BODY MECHANICS
Body Mechanics
• Definition: the use of one’s body to produce
motion that is:
-safe,
-energy conserving,
-and efficient,
all of which allows the person to maintain
balance and control
Why Learn about Proper Body
Mechanics?
• Ensures clinician and patient safety
• Places less stress and
strain on the body,
preventing injury
• To conserve energy
Benefits of proper
Body Mechanics
Conserve energy
Reduce stress and strain to muscles, joints, ligaments, and soft
tissue
Promote effective, efficient respiratory and cardiopulmonary
function
Promote and maintain proper body control and balance
Promote effective, efficient, and SAFE movements
Terminology
• Gravity:
The force that pulls all objects toward the
center of the earth.
• Friction:
The act of rubbing one object against
another.
Center of gravity (COG):
• The point at which the mass of a body or
object is centered; when weight on all sides is
equal
• Base of Support (BOS):
Area on which an object rests and that
provides support for the object
• Line of Gravity:
The vertical line between the center of gravity
and the ground
Must fall within the BOS if the “body” is to
stay upright
May be shifted
Proper Body Mechanics
• Gravity & Friction are forces that add resistance
to many activities
- lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and carrying
an object.
• Select and use techniques that:
- reduce the adverse effects of gravity or
friction
- and/or enhance the positive effects of these
TWO forces.
Principles of Body Mechanics
• Remain close to the object
• Use short lever arms for
better control & efficiency
(with less strain)
•
The synchronized use of as many large muscle groups as
possible during activity increases overall strength and
prevents muscle fatigue and injury
– To move objects below your center of
gravity, begin with the hip and knees
flexed
– Use gluteal and leg muscles rather
than the sacrospinal muscles of the
back to exert an upward thrust
when lifting weight
– Face the direction of the movement
to prevent twisting of the spine
Maintain your COG close to the object’s COG
• Widen your BOS and position your feet
according to the direction of movement you
will use to perform the activity
• Avoid twisting your body when you lift
• When possible, push, pull, roll, or slide an
object rather than lifting it
•
The greater the friction against a surface beneath an object,
the greater force required to move an object. Provide a firm
smooth, dry foundation before moving the object.
Causes of Back Injuries
• Repetitive Motion/twisting
• Forward bending
• Poor or improper lifting techniques
• A loss of flexibility
• Poor posture
• Poor Job design
• Deconditioned/Poor physical fitness
• Overweight/Smoking
• Nutrition/Stress
Mechanics: Twisting
• Repetitive twisting can do damage to the
spine.
• It over stretches ligaments and muscles
causing weakness.
• Can damage discs especially combined with
bending.
Mechanics: Forward Bending
• Forward bending can over-stretch the low back
muscles to the point where they can lose strength
to protect the spine from injury.
• The ligaments are also weakened
• Can increase stress on the discs
• Range of the bend and time spent in the position
can determine amount of damage
Mechanics: Poor Posture
• It is one of the main reasons that injuries occur
• Means that the spine’s normal curves are
exaggerated or decreased creating stresses and
strains in the tissues.
• The result is pain and dysfunction and can lead to
serious injury.
Mechanics:
Poor Job Design/ Ergonomics
Injury can occur when:
•
Moving a load too heavy
•
Moving a load too often
•
Moving a load too far
•
Twisting with a load
•
Vibration
•
Improper chair/equipment
Poor ergonomics
Mechanics:
Poor Physical Fitness
• Decreased oxygen delivery to muscles can
cause muscles to wear down and lead to
weakness.
• This is one of the main cause for injury
Mechanics:
Overweight & Smoking
• Obesity causes extra work for the spinal
muscles to maintain the curvature.
• Leads to excess fatigue and wear/tear in the
body
• Nicotine damages connective tissue
decreasing circulation and oxygen in the blood
which affects muscle strength
Mechanics: Nutrition & Stress
• Malnutrition can lead to injury. Because
- Muscles need protein to repair worn
musculoskeletal tissue
- Bones need minerals for strength
• Stress stiffens and weakens back muscles and
increases pain sensitivity
PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
• Stand with feet apart one foot slightly ahead of
the other. Wide stance helps balance during
lifting
• Squat down keeping back straight, keep chin
tucked, and lift smoothly
• Keep object close to you
• Bend your knees and hips using legs to lift
Proper Lifting Techniques
• Maintain lumbar curve
• Face the object you are picking up
• Push rather than pull (Pushing is easier)
• Stabilize hands on the object
• Take your time-hurrying causes muscles to act
inappropriately and increases chance of injury
Lifting (Don’ts)
When lifting objects, DO NOT:
• Lift in a bent-over, stooped position
• Twist at waist
• Lift with one hand
• Lift with outstretched arms
• Keep feet together
• Lift above shoulders or below knees
Avoid being STATIC
• Change stressful positions often
• If you are sitting for too long- stand
• If you are standing for too long- stop and squat
• If you are working in computer give a break every 30
minutes.
Sitting and
Computer station work
• Sit close to your work
• Hips, knees and ankles are open to 90 degrees
• Elbows are open to 90-120 degrees
• Wrists are in relaxed and neutral position (not bent)
• Both feet are flat on the floor or use a foot rest
• Shoulders are low and relaxed
• Head and neck are aligned with spine
Sitting and
Computer work station
• Do not slump or lean forward or downward to reach
for work.
• Do not sit for more than 60 minutes without getting
up or changing position.
• Raise the height of the computer screen so screen is
at or slightly below eye level.
Proper ergonomics
Standing
• Bring your work close to you.
• Put one foot up, shift your weight and position
frequently.
• Keep your work at a comfortable height.
• Wear comfortable shoes
Standing (Don’ts)
DO NOT:
• Stand in one place too long.
• Stand bent forward at your waist or neck.
• Lock your knees into a straight or overextended position.
Pushing
• Push whenever possible.
• Keep head up, knees bent, and back straight.
• Keep the load in front and use both hands.
• Remain close to the item being pushed.
Reaching
When reaching for an object, remember to:
• Keep back straight
• Reach with two hands
• Face the object
• Stand on a stable step-stool to reach high items
• Bend knees slightly.
Reaching (Don’ts)
When reaching for an object, DO NOT:
• Overreach by standing on toes
• Reach with one hand
• Twist at waist
• Stand on an unsafe surface
• Reach with legs locked in straight position.