Body Mechanics

balance
Controlled by the nervous system, specifically by the cerebellum and the inner ear. A normal state of physiologic equilibrium

base of support
Foundation which an object is in rest.

body alignment
A geometric arrangement of body parts in relation to each other.

body mechanics
Coordinates effort of the musculoskeletal and nervous system to maintain proper balance, posture and body alignment.

center of gravity
The point of which all the mass of an object is the center.

force
Any influence that causes a free body to undergo acceleration. Described as a push or pull that can cause an object with mass to change its velocity.

friction
A force that occurs in the direction opposing the move.

fulcrum
A fixed point about which the lever moves.

inertia
The tendency of an object at rest to remain at rest and an object in motion to remain in motion.

leverage
A mechanical advantage or use of a lever to increase lifting power or to make lifting easier.

line of gravity
An imaginary vertical line drawn through an object center of gravity.

posture
The bearing and position of the body and the relative arrangements of the various parts of the body.

stance
Style of standing, positioning for a strike.

weight
Force on the object due to gravity.

Principles of Body Mechanics

Anatomy and Physiology - Involves the structure, exercise and functions of the different systems of the body. Chemistry - Proper body mechanics affects the different chemical processes in the body such as activity of muscles and promotion of good circulation of the blood.

 Physics - Body mechanics involves force and movement. An understanding of the correct application on physics is essential in maintain proper body mechanics. Psychology - Different body movements such as stance and posture can provide a better understanding of the person or the client s feelings, values and attitudes. Time & Energy - Observing proper body mechanics conserves time and energy.

Importance of Body Mechanics

Avoid excessive fatigue, muscle pain, strains or tears, skeletal injuries, and injury to the patient and staff members. Improves body alignment, posture and mobility. Maintains body balance and stability. Promotes good blood circulation. Improves physical appearance. Enables us to use energy sufficiently. Increases level of independence in completing activities. Increases joint flexibility. Avoids skin breakdown, reduction of skin turgor. Relieves stress and anxiety and elevates mood.

Elements of Body Mechanics

Body Alignment - One of the most important elements of body mechanics. The spine is the foundation for a proper body alignment. The spine consists of bones and vertebrae that connect with each other and with other ligaments and muscles and it has an S-shaped curve. To maintain the proper body alignment, it is important to maintain that curve. This reduces muscle tension and gives more stability. If all of these principles are met, good body mechanics can be achieved.

Body Balance - It is important to maintain the stable center of gravity and a wide support base in order to observe proper body mechanics and maintain balance. Coordinated Body Movement - Body mechanics involves the integrated functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous system.

Factors Affecting Body Mechanics

Physical Health - Includes neuromuscular and skeletal impairments Nutrition - Includes diet and the weight of the person. Lifestyle - Includes work and daily activities, kind of clothes worn, and the level of stress a person lives. Attitude and Values Mental Health - Emotions and level of understanding of a person.

Guidelines of Body Mechanics

Balance is maintained and muscle strain is avoided as long as the line of gravity passes through the base of support. The wider the base of support and the lower the center of gravity, the greater the stability. Balance is maintained with minimal effort when the base of support is enlarged in the direction in which the movements will occur The greater the construction of muscle before moving an object, the less the energy are required to move it and the lesser the risk of injury

 Changes in activity and position help to maintain muscle tone and avoid fatigue Using one s own weight to counter act the patient weight requires less energy movement Friction between an object and the surface upon which the object is moved affect the amount of work needed to move the object. 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 a 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.

Demonstrating Beginning Skills

Proper Standing Proper Sitting Proper Pushing and Pulling Proper Walking Proper Lifting (light object) Proper Lifting (heavy object)

1. Proper Standing
- Head to erect and midline - Posterior shoulder and hips are parallel and straight - Abdomen is trucked in and knees and ankle are slightly apart to achieve base support

2. Proper Sitting
- Start from proper standing position, sit back, and feel the chair - Head erect, vertebral column are straight - Maintain 1-2 inches space or posterior surface and the knee - Body weight is evenly distributed on buttocks an thigh - Both feet are supported on the floor

3. Proper Pushing and Pulling

- Begin with proper standing position - Widen base of support by steeping on foot forward and backward - Slightly flex both knees, allowing center level with objects - Maintain body alignment - Hold object tightly - Use weight of your body in rocking backward and forward

4. Proper Walking
- Begin with proper standing position - Strike heel to the ground - Push off the ball and the extended toes - Flex hip joints and lift toes from ground - Swing arms along with opposite leg movement

5. Proper Lifting (Light object)

- Come closer to the object to be moved after assessing the four lifting measures - Lower your center of gravity to the object to be lifted, enlarge the base of support

6. Proper Lifting (Heavy object)

- Keep load closer to your body, hug the object closer as u gradually straighten to a standing position - Hold load at waist level - Use safe techniques when you set your load down - Bend your knees for low level work