Body Mechanics Flashcards
Objectives
- At the end of the class, the student will be able to
- Explain the importance of proper body mechanics
- Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics while performing treatment interventions during skill competency and laboratory practical testing
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Review the Terms (p70)
Recumbent
Lying down
“increase in one of the forward convexities”
Lordosis
“movement of the pelvis so that the ASIS move anteriorly or posteriorly”
Pelvic Tilt
Reasons for proper body mechanics
Safety
- Safety
- Conserve energy
- Reduce stress and strain on body structures
- Reduce personal injury
- Maintain balance
- Effective, efficient respiratory function
“Described as the use of one’s body to produce motion that is safe, energy conserving, and anatomically and physiologically efficient and maintains body balance and control.”
Body mechanics
Patients and therapy staff should breathe normally when performing physical activity
Avoid the Valsalva maneuver: when does it occur
- Occurs when the patient holds their breath and air is trapped in the thorax
- Increases intrathoracic pressure
- Can cause a rupture of a cerebral vessel or can cause a cerebral vascular accident
the force that pulls toward the center of the earth and affects all objects
Gravity
The act of rubbing one object against another
Friction
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Gravity and friction add resistance to many activities associated with lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling and carrying objects
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A component of a mechanical lever, it may be the force arm or the resistance arm
When the weight arm is decreased a greater mechanical advantage is created
Lever arms
expression of the effectiveness of the force in turning a lever system
- When an object is held close, you use a short lever arm and will work more effectively because a lower torque is required
Torque
the point at which the mass of the body or object is centered (Center of Mass)
Center of gravity (COG)
the area on which an object rests and provides support for the object
Base of support:
an imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity of an object
vertical gravity line
Lifting properly
It is important to position your center of gravity close to the objects center of gravity
Keeping the 2 centers of gravity close to one another will help reduce the torque required to move or carry objects
The center of gravity is where the mass of an object is concentrated (the heaviest portion)
Have you ever seen a therapist assist a patient out of a wheelchair when at least moderate assist is required?
Establishing your base of support and lowering your center of gravity will increase your stability for lifting
Lifting properly
Adjusting the base of support can be done in two ways:
- Anterior posterior stance: 1 foot forward of the other foot
- Medial lateral stance: Place feet further apart side-by-side
- This will assist you in maintaining your vertical gravity line within your base of support
Base of support
Alteration of center of gravity
- The center of gravity can be altered by reaching for an object or shifting your weight to one foot
- When you shift your center of gravity you may not be within your base of support and can lose your balance
- You must shift your base of support to maintain your balance