Proper Body Mechanics

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Proper Body Mechanics

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Definition

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Body mechanics is a broad term used to denote an effort coordinated by the muscles

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bones and nervous system. It can either be good or bad and can be directly related to the occurrence of back pains.

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Rules

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These are different rules that apply when you transfer or move your patients to protect your back:

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• Keep the lower portion of your back in its normal position at all times.

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• Move as close to the patient’s bed as you can.

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• Don’t twist your body. Always do a side step or a pivot.

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• Set your feet into a comfortable and solid wide base of support when lifting.

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• Keep your abdominal muscles contracted

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bow slightly using the hips and squat.

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• Keep the head upright and hold your shoulders up.

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• Pushing up from the knees and using your own momentum would help you lift the patient.

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Importance

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What exactly are body mechanics and why are they important? The reason for using proper body mechanics is mainly to avoid:

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• Musculoskeletal strain

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• Injuries to members of the staff

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• Injury to the client

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• Fatigue

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Techniques

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Here are the different principles to be a nurse with proper body mechanics:

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Stable Center of Gravity

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Maintain a stable center of gravity to evenly distribute your body weight

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1. Keep your center of gravity low.

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2. Greater balance is met with a low center of gravity.

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3. Flex your knees and keep your body straight rather than bending.

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Wide Base of Support

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Maintain a wide base of support

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1. Having a wide base of support gives your body more stability.

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2. Spread your feet apart to a reasonable distance.

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3. Flex your knees to move the center of gravity closer to the base of support.

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Proper Body Alignment

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Maintain Proper body alignment

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1. Body alignment refers to the way the joints

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tendons

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2. A line of gravity passing through your base of support maintains your balance.

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3. Equal activity balance in upper and lower parts of the body would reduce your risks of having back injury.

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4. When you’re stronger muscle group are involved

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greater amount of work can be safely done.

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5. Keep the back upright when performing interventions.

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Moving Clients

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Here are some guidelines into how to properly move clients and other objects on the work area using proper body mechanics:

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Pushing

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1. Stay close to the subject being pushed.

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2. Place one foot in front of the other

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3. Place the hands on the subject

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flex your elbows and lean to the subject.

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4. Place the weight from your flexor to the extensor portions of your leg.

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5. Apply pressure with the use of your leg muscles.

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6. To prevent fatigue

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provide alternate rest periods.

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Pulling

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1. Stay close to the subject being pulled.

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2. Place one foot in front of the other

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3. Hold the subject

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flex your elbows and lean your body away from the subject.

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4. Shift your weight away from the subject.

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5. Avoid any unnecessary movements.

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6. To prevent fatigue

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provide alternate rest periods.

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Lifting and Carrying

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1. Be on a squat position facing the subject.

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2. Hold the subject and tighten your center of gravity.

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3. Use your dominant leg muscles when lifting.

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4. Hold the subject at waist height and close to the center of gravity.

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5. Keep your back erect.