CH. 5 Body Mechanics

Question 1

What is Body Mechanics?

Answer 1

• the coordinated effort of the musculoskeletal and nervous system to maintain balance, posture and body alignment during lifting, moving, positioning and performing ADL’s.
• Efficient use of body to produce motion and maintain balance
• Describes how we hold our body in different positions

Question 2

What is the Goal of Body Mechanics?

Answer 2

• Minimize the unwanted stresses to the musculoskeletal system.

Question 3

What is Center of Mass (COM)?

Answer 3

• An imaginary point in space that is at the center of the total body mass.
• Where body forces sums to zero
• All particles of body are equally distributed.
• The point where if a force is applied it moves in the direction of the force without rotating.

Question 4

What is the Center of Gravity (COG)?

Answer 4

• The vertical projection of the Center of Mass onto the ground.
• Point of origin about which all particles of body are equally distributed.
• Refers only to vertical direction in which gravity acts

Question 5

What is the Base of Support (BOS)?

Answer 5

• The area of the object that is in contact with the support surface.

Question 6

What is the Positioning for Stability?

Answer 6

• Wide Base of Support (BOS)
• Center of Mass (COM) is lower and closer to the BOS.
• Minimal distance between COM and the center of BOS

Question 7

Rules for correct body mechanics:

Answer 7

• Keep load close
• Create an appropriate BOS
  
  • Use isometric contractions of the trunk to maintain constant position

Question 8

How to properly lift?

Answer 8

• Lift with legs
• Large and strong muscles
• DO NOT twist
• Pick up the legs when turning
• Avoid dissociate movement in the trunk

Question 9

Rules for Correct Body Mechanics:

Answer 9

• Maintain normal spinal curvature
• Bend the hips and the knees
• Exhale during exertion
• Push rather than pull
• Plan ahead & get help if needed

Question 10

Before you lift…

Answer 10

• Position yourself with a large BOS
• For low objects, position yourself with a low COG
• Position your feet to allow the movement

Question 11

While you lift…

Answer 11

• Avoid trunk rotation
• If moving the person, pivot your feet to allow the motion without trunk rotation.
• Lift slowly and smoothly
• Lift with your legs rather than your back
• Keep the lumbar curve in your lower back while you lift.