PrinciPles of

body mechanics
 INTRODUCTION

Some of the most common injuries

sustained by members of the health care
team are severe musculoskeletal strains.
Many injuries can be avoided by the
conscious use of proper body mechanics
when performing physical work.
 DEFINITION

Body mechanics 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 (ADL’s).
• Body mechanics involves the
coordinated effort of muscles, bones,
and the nervous system to maintain
balance, posture, and alignment during
moving, transferring, and positioning
patients. Proper body mechanics allows
individuals to carry out activities without
excessive use of energy, and helps
prevent injuries for patients and health
care providers
 PURPOSES

• To maintain good balance.

• To reduce the energy required.
• To avoid excessive fatigue.
• To avoid muscle strains or tears.
• To avoid skeletal injuries.
• To avoid injury to the patient.
• To avoid injury to assisting staff members
 MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) is an injury or
disorder of the muscles, tendons,
ligaments, joints or nerves, blood vessels,
or related soft tissue including a sprain,
strain, or inflammation related to a work
injury.
MSIs are the most common health hazard
for health care providers
 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO MSI
• 1. Ergonomic risk factors -Repetitive or
sustained awkward postures, repetition,
or forceful exertion
• 2. Individual risk factors - Poor work
practice; poor overall health (smoking,
drinking alcohol, and obesity); poor rest
and recovery; poor fitness, hydration,
and nutrition
 Elements of Body Mechanics
• 1. Body alignment /Line of gravity is
achieved by placing one body part in line
with another body part in a vertical or
horizontal line. Correct alignment
contributes to body balance and
decreases strain on muscle-skeletal
structures. Without this balance, the risk
of falls and injuries increase
 Elements of Body Mechanics
• 2. Center of gravity is the centre of the
weight of an object or person. A lower
centre of gravity increases stability. This
can be achieved by bending the knees
and bringing the centre of gravity closer
to the base of support, keeping the back
straight.
 Elements of Body Mechanics
• 3.Base of support is achieved by placing feet a
comfortable, shoulder width distance apart.
When a vertical line falls from the centre of
gravity through the wide base of
support, body balance is achieved.
• If the vertical line moves outside the base of
support, the body will lose balance.
 Principle of Body Mechanics
• 1. Assess the weight of the load before
lifting and determine if assistance is
required.
• 2. Plan the move; gather all supplies and
clear the area of obstacles
• 3. Avoid stretching, reaching, and
twisting, which may place the line of
gravity outside the base of support.
 Principle of Body Mechanics
4. Keep stance (feet) shoulder-width apart.
• Tighten abdominal, gluteal, and leg
muscles in anticipation of the move.
• Stand up straight to protect the back and
provide balance
 Principle of Body Mechanics
• 5. Place the weight of the object being
moved close to your centre of gravity for
balance.
• Equilibrium is maintained as long as the
line of gravity passes through its base of
support.
Hold objects close to your centre of
gravity
 Principle of Body Mechanics
• 6. Facing the direction prevents
abnormal twisting of the spine.
• 7. Turning, rolling, pivoting, and leverage
requires less work than lifting.
• Do not lift if possible; use mechanical lifts
as required.
• Encourage the patient to help as much as
possible.
 Principle of Body Mechanics
• 8. Keep all work at waist level to avoid
stooping.
• Raise the height of the bed or object if
possible.
• Do not bend at the waist.
 Principle of Body Mechanics
9. Reduce friction between surfaces so that less
force is required to move the patient.
10. Bending the knees maintains your centre of
gravity and lets the strong muscles of your legs
do the lifting.
• 11. It is easier to push an object than to pull
it.
• Less energy is required to keep an object
moving than it is to stop and start it..
 Principle of Body Mechanics
• 12. Use assistive devices (gait belt, slider
boards, mechanical lifts) as required to
position patients and transfer them from one
surface to another
• 13. The person with the heaviest load should
coordinate all the effort of the others involved
in the handling technique.
Thank you