Concepts and principles of physiology of normal movement and stability as the result of intact musculoskeletal system responsible for equilibrium. Body movements requires coordinated muscle activity. As it will involve four basic elements: Body alignment (posture), joint mobility, balance and coordinated movement. Thus, nurses may improve self-esteem and body image in practice.

After the completion of the course,the student learner will be able to:

Define and identify principles of good body mechanics.

Describe techniques of body mechanics used when performing work.

After the completion of the course,the student learner will be able to:

Name the eight general considerations for performing physical tasks.

List reasons for using good body mechanics

MASS: Quantity of Atoms

VELOCITY: Speed of movement

ACCELERATION: a positive rate of change in velocity

DECELRATION: a negative rate of change in velocity

FORCE: a push or pull

TORQUE: The tendency of force acting at a

perpendicular distance from an axis to rotate a lever system

EQUILIBRIUM: A steady state of motion

STATIC EQUILIBRIUM: No motion

LINE OF GRAVITY: An imaginary vertical line drawn through the body’s center of gravity

CENTER OF GRAVITY: The point at which all body’s mass is centered

BASE OF SUPPORT: The foundation on which the body rests

GRAVITY

FRICTION

MUSCLE

EXTERNAL

Rigid bar Axis or fulcrum Forces tending to rotate the rigid bar Force and force arm Weight or resistance and weight or resistance arm Large force in one direction, two smaller forces in opposite direction

Force and Weight on opposite sides of axis Can be used to gain force advantage or distance/speed advantage Triceps extending elbow

Force and Weight on same side of axis Weight closer to axis than force Used to gain force advantage Gastroc-soleus pushing up on toes

Force and Weight on same side of axis Force closer to axis than weight Used to gain a distance/speed

advantage Most human levers are class III Biceps brachii flexing elbow

Eighty-five percent of the population experiences back or neck pain at least once in their lives due to failure to use proper body mechanics and using improper lifting techniques.

Many people assume that they need only use these techniques when they are lifting very heavy people or objects. However, repeatedly lifting lightweight objects incorrectly also can lead to back and neck injuries.

Use of proper body mechanics not only ensures the safety of the person assisting with the move, but also the safety of the person being moved. This is of great importance because the person lifting is responsible for any injury to the person being assisted.

is the utilization of correct muscles to complete a task safely and efficiently, without undue strain on any muscle or joint

Refers to the way we move during every day activities. Good body mechanics may be able to prevent or correct problems with posture (the way you stand, sit, or lie.) It may also protect your body, especially your back, from pain and injury

Use proper body mechanics in order

to avoid the following:

Excessive fatigue. Muscle strains or tears. Skeletal injuries. Injury to the patient. Injury to assisting staff

members.

Keep your center of gravity low. Keep your back straight. Bend at the knees and hips.

Keep your feet apart. Place one foot slightly ahead of the other. Flex your knees to absorb jolts. Turn with your feet

Keep your back straight. Keeps the object being lifted close to your body.

Tuck in your buttocks. Pull your abdomen in and up. Keep your back flat. Keep your head up. Keep your chin in. Keep your weight forward and supported on the outside of your feet.

Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting. Bend at the knees and hips; keep your back straight. Lift straight upward, in one smooth motion.

Stand directly in front of and close to the object. Avoid twisting or stretching. Use a stool or ladder for high objects. Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support. Before moving the object, be sure that it is not too large or too heavy

Place one foot slightly ahead of the other. Turn both feet at the same time, pivoting on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other. Maintain a good center of gravity while holding or carrying the object.

Squat (bending at the hips and knees). Avoid stooping (bending at the waist). Use your leg muscles to return to an upright position

It is easier to pull, push, or roll an object than it is to lift it. Movements should be smooth and coordinated rather than jerky. Less energy or force is required to keep an object moving than it is to start and stop it. Use the arm and leg muscles as much as possible, the back muscles as little as possible

Keep the work as close as possible to your body. It puts less of a strain on your back, legs, and arms. Rock backward or forward on your feet to use your body weight as pushing or pulling force. Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid excessive bending at the waist. Keep your body in good physical condition to reduce the chance of injury.

"When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through.

Then,spontaneously, the body

heals itself!"

MILAGROS J. NUEZ