Body Mechanics Flashcards
Center of gravity
The point at which the mass of a body or object is centered
Base of support
The area on which an object rests and that provides support for the object
Friction
The act of rubbing one object against another
Gravity
The force that pulls toward the center of the earth and affects all objects
Lordosis
An increase in one of the forward convexities of the normal vertebral columns (lumbar or cervical)
Pelvic tilt
Movement of the pelvis so that the anterior superior iliac spines move anteriorly or posteriorly to produce an anterior or posterior tilt or inclination
Vertical gravity line
An imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity of an object
Body mechanics
The use of ones body to produce motion that is safe, energy conserving, and anatomically and physiologically efficient and that leads to the maintenance of a persons body balance and control
Traditional lifting model
Feet are placed anteroposterior on each side of the object, in a deep squat position
Grasp under object, arms parallel or anteroposterior to each other
Maintain lumbar lordosis and lift using the large muscles of the legs
Maintain the object close to the body
Lumbar lordosis lifting model
Deep squat: maintain lumbar lordosis (anterior pelvis tilt), straddle object, perform full squat with hips below the level of the knees, lifters trunk emails vertical
Power lift: maintain lordosis (anterior pelvic tilt), only half squat performed, with the hips above the knees, feet behind object, trunk more vertical than horizontal
Half kneeling lift
Kneel one knee behind object and one beside, lift object close to body; then begin rising using legs; maintain normal lordosis; good for someone with poor UE strength, but must have good LE strength and balance
Stoop lift
When an object can be reached without squatting; feet, shoulder width apart; maintain normal lordosis; requires less energy than squatting
Used to lift when only one UE is needed to lift (ex. Gym bag, purse)
Golfers lift (one leg stance lift)
Used for light objects
Lifter faces the object, shift body weight on forward leg, leg partially flexed, lift non weight bearing LE. The lifter picks up the object in a manner similar to a golfer removing his ball from the cup.
Posture
Important to maintain all 3 natural curves of the spine
Poor posture can lead to muscles becoming weak, fatigues, over stretched, or shortened; ligaments may become irritated
Ergonomics
The study of how to adapt the workplace to the person.
Trying to prevent repetitive stress syndromes
