FUNDA LAB

Lesson 1: Body Mechanics (Dr.C.Sagun, L.Buenviaje, &M.V.Coloma)

Regular physical activity and exercise contribute to both physical and emotional well-being.
Knowing the physiology and regulation of body mechanics, exercise, and activity helps you to
provide individualized patient care. Movement is a complex process that requires coordination
between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. As a nurse you will consider how a patient’s
physical and psychological conditions affect body movement. Body mechanics is a term that
describes the coordinated efforts of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Today, nurses
use evidence-based information about body alignment, balance, gravity, and friction when
implementing nursing interventions such as transferring patients, assisting with ambulation,
determining the risk of patient falls, and selecting the safest way to move or transfer patients.

MAINTAINING PROPER BODY MECHANICS

Ceryl Sagun and Lucila Buenviaje

Definition:
Body mechanics is the term used to describe the efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body
to move objects and carry out the activities of daily living. (Berman et al, 2016). If a person
moves his body correctly like in sitting, standing, sleeping, lifting, carrying, bending, turning or
any related movement, it prevents any health complications. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to
learn the principles of proper body mechanics.
● Lifting is the most common cause of back injuries among healthcare workers

Purposes: (Berman et al, 2016)

1. To avoid musculo-skeletal strain and physical injury of the nurse and the client
2. To promote correct body alignment
3. To facilitate coordinated, efficient use of muscle when moving the client
4. To conserve energy of nurse in accomplishing of other task
Assessment:
1. Assesses presence of deformities or abnormalities of vertebrae or limbs.
2. Assesses clients and caregivers capabilities and tolerance for required and desired
activities.
3. Assesses characteristics of objects to be moved during client care (e.g. height, weight
shape).
4. Assesses adequacy of function and stability of all equipment to be used.
5. Assesses current level of knowledge of assistive personnel, client and family on proper
usage of body mechanics and body alignment.
Planning:
1. Prepare all the needed materials.
2. Develop individualized goals of care for patient based on Nursing Diagnoses:
3. Increased tolerance for physical activity.
4. Restored or improved capabilities to ambulate and/or participate in ADL's.
5. Absence of injury from telling or improper use of body mechanics.
 6. Enhanced physical fitness.
7. Absence of any complications associated and immobility.
Implementation:
Criteria
1. Keep weight balance above
base of support.
2. Widen the base of support as
necessary.
3. Lower the center of gravity
toward the base of support as
necessary.
4. Enlarge base of support where
force is to be applied.
5. Tighten abdominal, gluteal, arm
and leg muscles in preparation for
all gravities.
Rationale
Balance depends on the interrelationship of
the center of gravity, line of gravity and the
base of support. The closer the line of gravity
is to the center of the base of support, it
provides the person's greater stability. (
Berman et al, 2016)
Body balance is maintained with minimal
effort when the base of support is enlarged in
the direction to which the movement will
occur. (Berman et al, 2016)
The closer the line of gravity to the center of
the base of support, the greater the stability
of the body. This is basically done by flexing
the hips and knees until the squatting
position is achieved. (Berman et al, 2016)
The wider the base of support and the lower
the center of gravity, the greater the stability
of the body. (Berman et al, 2016)
The greater the preparatory isometric
tensing, or contraction of muscle, before
moving an object, the less energy is required
to move it, and the less energy is required to
move it, the less likelihood of

6. Face the direction or the task
and turn
body into one place.
7. Bend with the hips and knees
and keep the back straight when
lifting. Look straight ahead and
keep feet and shoulders far apart.
8. Move objects on level surfaces
when possible.
9. Slide (rather than lift) objects on Less friction between the object being
a smooth surface when possible.
10. Hold objects close to the body
and stand close to objects to be
moved.
11. Use body weight to assist in
lifting or moving when possible.
musculoskeletal strain and injury.(Berman et
al, 2016)
This is done for effective use of major
muscle groups when the spine is rotated or
twisted. (Berman et al, 2016). This will also
allow full use of arm and leg muscles.
Keep your spine straight and get the most
weight of your body. The wider the base of
support and the lower the center of gravity,
the greater the stability. Do not lift objects
more than 35lbs without assistance from
proper equipment and/or individuals.
(Berman et al, 2016).
It prevents unnecessary use of back muscles
when performing a task (Potter/Perry et al,
2017)
moved and the surface on which it is moved
requires less energy. (Berman et al, 2016)
This will maintain correct alignment, facilitate
comfort and prevent physical injury. (Berman
et al, 2016).
Body weight counteracts the weight of the
object and reduces the amount of strain on
the arms and back. (Berman et al, 2016).
The weight is minimized. Ten pounds held at
waist height close to the body is equal to 100
lbs held at arm's length. (Potter/Perry et al,
2017)
12. Use smooth motions and
reasonable speed when carrying
out tasks.
The synchronized use of as many large
muscle groups as possible during an activity,
increases overall strength and prevents
muscle fatigue and injury. (Berman et al,
2016)

13. When moving a client, use a Pulling creates less friction than pushing.
pulling motion whenever possible. (Berman et al, 2016). This will prevent injury
Leaning backward and pushing to vertebrae and back muscles as well.
motion by leaning forward and
maintaining a wide base of support
with feet. Keep knees flexed and
one foot behind the other.

14. When turning is unavoidable,
use a pivoting turn. Place one foot
ahead of the other, raise the heels
very slightly, and put the body
weight on the balls of the feet.
This will avoid twisting of spine and possible
muscle strain and back injury. (Berman et al,
2016)

15. Raise the working surface to Objects that are close to the center of gravity
your waist level when possible. are moved with less effort. (Berman et al,
2016).

16. Position props and body parts It maintains comfort and safety of patients.
for appropriate body alignment of (Berman et al, 2016).
the client after move is completed,
then provide comfort and safety.

Anatomy of a Healthy Back