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Effective Body Mechanics Guide

This document discusses body mechanics, which refers to the efficient, coordinated use of the body to reduce fatigue and injury risk during physical activities. It outlines the key principles of body mechanics, including maintaining proper body alignment and balance, and coordinated movement. Specific techniques are provided for safely moving and lifting objects or patients, such as pivoting instead of twisting, keeping the back straight, and using leg muscles rather than the back. The overall goal of body mechanics is to perform physical tasks in a way that minimizes strain on the body.

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748 views13 pages

Effective Body Mechanics Guide

This document discusses body mechanics, which refers to the efficient, coordinated use of the body to reduce fatigue and injury risk during physical activities. It outlines the key principles of body mechanics, including maintaining proper body alignment and balance, and coordinated movement. Specific techniques are provided for safely moving and lifting objects or patients, such as pivoting instead of twisting, keeping the back straight, and using leg muscles rather than the back. The overall goal of body mechanics is to perform physical tasks in a way that minimizes strain on the body.

Uploaded by

RN_kn
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Bicol University Polangui Campus

Dep’t of Science (Nursing)

BODY MECHANICS
Body Mechanics
 Efficient, coordinated and safe use of
the body to produce motion and
maintain balance during activity.

 Proper Mov’t = reduced fatigue and


risk of injury
Purposes
n To maintain good body posture
n To help promote good physiologic
functions of the body
n To use the body correctly and
maintain its effectiveness
n To help prevent injury to or
limitation of the musculo-skeletal
system
Elements
1) Body alignment (posture)
• Arrangement of the body in relation
to each other

• Balance
• Lung expansion
• Efficient circulation, kidney and GIT
fxn
2) Balance (stability)
• Equilibrium b/w 2 opposing forces
• Good alignment = balance
How to maintain balance?
a) LINE OF GRAVITY = imaginary
vertical line drawn through an
object’s center of gravity
b) CENTER OF GRAVITY = all mass is
centered
c) BASE OF SUPPORT = foundation in
which the object rest
3) Coordinated body movement
Procedures
n Move an object by PUSHING or
PULLING to expend minimal
energy by:
a. Standing close to the object
b. Placing oneself in a proper body
alignment
c. Tenses muscle and prepare for
movement
d. Pulling towards you by leaning away
from the object or letting arms, hips
and thighs to do the work
e. Pushing away from you by leaning
2) Pivot when changing directions,
move muscles as a unit and aligned,
RATHER THAN
ROTATING/TWISTING part of the
body.

3) Working on the lower surface


level: FLEX body at knees and keep
back STRAIGHT and use thigh and
gluteal muscle to do the task.
4) When REACHING object: Use
MUSCLES OF THE ARMS and UPPER
TORSO in an extended, coordinated
movement parallel to the body
stance.
5) In LIFTING/CARRYING PTS with a
minimum use of the body:
a) Perform if you can
b) Place self in proper alignment
c) Stand close to and group the
object/client near the center of
gravity
d) Take a deep breath to prepare the
muscles
e) Lift objects by the arm muscles,
stoop and use leg/thigh muscles
f) Carry the object or person close to
your body to prevent back strain
g) Take frequent rest periods to
prevent additional strains
~ end ~

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