Maintaining Proper

Body Mechanics

Dr. Ceryl G. Sagun

Lucila B. Buenviaje
Maria Victoria S. Coloma
Learning Objectives
▪Identify characteristics of good posture in a standing,
sitting or lying position
▪Describe principles of correct 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.
Body Mechanics
▪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).
Body Mechanics
▪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.
Body Mechanics: Purposes
▪ To avoid musculo-skeletal strain and physical injury of the
nurse and the client
▪ To promote correct body alignment
▪ To facilitate coordinated, efficient use of muscle when
moving the client
▪ To conserve energy of nurse in accomplishing of other tasks
Body Mechanics
Lifting is the most common cause of back
injuries among healthcare workers
Assessment
▪ 1. Assesses presence of deformities or abnormalities
of vertebrae or limbs.
▪ 2. Assesses client's and care giver's capabilities and
tolerance for required and desired activities.
▪ 3. Assesses characteristics of object 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.
Anatomy of a
Healthy Back
Anatomy of a Healthy Back
▪ Natural curves
▪ Cervical (7)
▪ Curve of the neck
▪ Thoracic (12)
▪ Curve of middle
back
▪ Lumbar (5)
▪ Curve of lower back
▪ Sacrum and coccyx
Anatomy of a Healthy Back
▪ Discs
▪ Round-shaped cartilage
▪ absorb shocks and separate
vertebrae
Muscles and Joints
▪ Several muscle groups help support spine
▪ abdomen, back
▪ Flexible joints allow back to provide range of motion
▪ Hips, knees, ankles
PRINCIPLES
Body Mechanics
The base of support (BOS) refers to the area beneath an
object or person that includes every point of contact that the
object or person makes with the supporting surface. These
points of contact may be body parts e.g. feet or hands, or
they may include things like crutches or the chair a person is
sitting in.

The center of gravity of any object is the area around which

the mass of the object is concentrated. The ideal, natural
focal point of balance is usually located just below the navel
and halfway between the abdomen and lower back, which is
midway between the mass of the upper and lower body.
The line of gravity is an imaginary
vertical line from the centre of gravity to the ground
or surface the object or person is on. It is the
direction that gravity is acting upon the person or
object. ... In the anatomical position the line of
gravity is between the legs and feet right under the
person
1. Keep Weight Balance above base of support
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)
2. Widen the base of support as necessary.
Body balance is maintained with minimal effort when the base of
support is enlarged in the direction to which the movement will occur.
 3. Lower the center of gravity toward
base of support as necessary.
The closer the line of gravity to center of the base of support, the
greater the stability of the body. This is basically done by flexing the
hips and knees until squatting position is achieved. (Berman et al,
2016)
 4. Tighten abdominal, gluteal, arm and
leg muscles in preparation for all gravities
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 musculoskeletal
strain and injury.(Berman et al, 2016)
5. Face the direction or the task and turn body into one
place.
6. Bend with the hips and knees and keep the back straight when
lifting. Look straight ahead and keep feet and shoulder far apart
7. Move objects on level surfaces when possible
▪ It prevents unnecessary use of back muscles when performing a task
(Potter/Perry et al, 2017)
8. Slide (rather than lift) objects on a smooth surface
when possible.
▪ Less friction between the object being moved and the surface on
which it is moved requires less energy. (Berman et al, 2016)
9. Hold objects close to body and stand close to objects
to be moved.
▪ This will maintain correct alignment, facilitates comfort and prevents
physical injury. (Berman et al, 2016).
10. Use body weight to assist in lifting or moving when
possible.
▪ Body weight counteracts the weight of the object and reduces the
amount of strain on the arms and back. (Berman et al, 2016).

11. Use smooth motions and reasonable speed when carrying out task.
12. When moving client, use a pulling motion whenever possible.
Leaning backward and pushing motion by leaning forward and maintain
wide base of support with feet. Keep knees flexed and one foot behind
the other.

Pulling creates less friction than pushing. (Berman et al, 2016). This will
prevent injury to vertebrae and back muscles as well.
13. 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)
14. Raise the working surface to your waist level when
possible.
Rules for Proper Body Mechanics
▪ Maintain broad base of support, 12 inches
▪ Bend your knees
▪ Keep back straight
▪ Use largest muscles to do work-lift smoothly
▪ Keep load close
▪ Push or pull instead of lifting
▪ Face work-void twisting while turning
▪ Don’t over reach
▪ Get help if too heavy
▪ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq97LFOSbVI
Preventing Back Injuries
• Understand that the use of body mechanics will not necessarily
prevent injury if manually handling a load greater than 35 pounds
without the use of assistive devices.
• Avoid lifting anything greater than 35 pounds. Use assistive
equipment, get help from coworkers, and participate in the
purchasing/ordering process of appropriate assistive equipment for
your work setting.
• Become consciously aware of your posture and body mechanics.
Preventing Back Injuries
• When standing for a period of time, periodically move legs and hips,
and flex one hip and knee and rest your foot on an object if possible.
• When sitting, keep your knees slightly higher than your hips.
• Use a firm mattress and soft pillow that provide good body support at
natural body curvatures. stumbling, or turning your ankle.
• Exercise regularly to maintain overall physical condition and regulate
weight; include exercises that strengthen the pelvic, abdominal, and
spinal muscles.
• Avoid movements that cause pain or require spinal flexion with
straight legs (e.g., toe-touching and sit-ups) or spinal rotation (twisting).
• When moving an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide
base of support.
• Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes that provide good foot support
and reduce the risk of slipping,
The End for Now
REFERENCES:
Manual of Nursing Procedures by School of Nursing
Berman, Audrey. Kozier and Erbs Fundamentals in Nursing. 11th edition. 2020
Potter and Perry. Fundamentals in Nursing. 10th edition. 2021

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STAY BLESSED and SAFE

CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY: FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY 2019 February 19, 2021