Body mechanics, mobility and body alignment introduction

MEETING PATIENT NEEDS: MOBILITY AND IMMOBILITY: BODY MECHANICS

1. Mobility and body alignment

2. Mobility Mobility Is the term used for movement which is a complex process that requires coordination between musculoskeletal and nervous systems Mobility is essential for activities of daily living. Many functions of the body depend upon mobility

3. Body alignment Body alignment refers to the positioning of the joints, ligaments and muscles while standing, sitting or lying down ie , centre of the gravity of the body is stable. Centre of gravity  (COG) of the human  body  is a hypothetical point around which the force of  gravity appears to act Lies approximately near to the second  sacral  vertebra .

4. Body mechanics

5. Body mechanics Body mechanics is the safe use of the body using the correct posture, bodily alignment, balance and bodily movements to safely bend, carry, lift and move objects and people. It is the efficient use of body as a machine and as means of locomotion.

6. Purposes To avoid stress and strain on the musculoskeletal system It promotes proper physiological function of the body It encourages circulation and digestion It minimize the expenditure of the energy It helps in maintaining balance of the body with out strain To prevent kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and other deformities It contributes to ones beauty ( it maintains the shape and size of the cavities such as chest, abdominal and pelvic cavities)

7. Importance in nursing Safe patient handling and the application of the principles of body mechanics protect the patient and they also protect the nurse.

8. Principles of body mechanics

9. Principles Maintain a position that puts pelvis in a balanced position Keep the object close to the body to prevent strain on muscles Provide a wide base of support by keeping the feet apart for better balance Flex the knees and hips to take an object instead of bending the back Sit close to the table while writing something Stand close to the area if something has to be picked up from above head

10. Principles If an object has to be taken to another place roll, pull, push or slide it, if possible, instead of lifting the object. Posture should be with natural gesture.

11. Body Mechanics Principles When Providing Care Take the time to do a little bit of muscular warm up and stretching before you attempt to lift or transfer a person or object. Think about and plan your approach before you attempt to do it. Explain what you will be doing and how you will perform the lift or transfer to the client . Instruct the patient about what you and they will be doing

12. Body Mechanics Principles When Providing Care Remain as close to the person or the object , such as a large box, when you are about to lift it and while you are lifting. Face the person or object that you are about to lift. Keep your spine, neck and back straight and aligned throughout the lift or transfer. Do not twist Tuck your chin in and keep your neck and head aligned Maintain a wide and secure base of support by keeping your feet apart.

13. Body Mechanics Principles When Providing Care Pivot on your feet in the direction of the move and not against it Get a secure and good grip on the object or person that you are about to lift. Use the long and strong muscles of your arms and legs to lift. Do NOT use back muscles and. Use slow, smooth and non-jerky movements.

14. Maintenance of normal body alignment

15. Maintenance of normal body alignment Body alignment refers to the arrangements of joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles while in a standing, sitting or lying positions. In a correctly aligned body, a line passes through specific parts while in standing position, these points can be seen from the side and back view

16. Side view reference points are Top of ear Middle of shoulder Centre of hip Front of knee cap Front of ankle bone Back view Centre of head Mid point of spine Middle of buttocks The centre point between heals

17. Importance Permits optimal musculoskeletal balance and operation Promotes optimal physiologic functioning Deviation may result , Chronic poor posture Trauma Muscle damage or nerve dysfunction Pain ,fatigue, and a persons mental and emotional status may also influence alignment

18. Standing The head is erect and midline Posteriorly , The shoulder and hips are straight and parallel The vertebral column is straight Laterlly The spinal curves are aligned a reversed s pattern Abdomen is comfortably tucked in and the knees and angles are slightly flexed The arms hangs comfortably at the sides Feet are slightly flexed to achieve a base of support and the toes are pointed forward

19. Standing

20. Sitting The head is erect, the neck and vertebral column are in straight alignment The body weight is evenly distributed on the buttocks and thighs The thighs are parallel and in horizontal plane Both feet are supported on the floor and the ankles are comfortably flexed A 2.5-5 cm space is maintained between the edge of the seat and the popliteal space on the posterior surface of the knees The clients forearms are supported on the arm rest, in the lap or on the table in front of the chair

21. Sitting

22. Bending Place one foot in front of the other Bend the knees as well as the hip Squat while keeping the back straight to pick up an object from floor While working in standing position Always face towards the work Keep your feet apart 3 inches Keep your back straight

23. Lifting a weight Stand with the both feet placed firmly on wide apart Stand close to the weight Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting Bend knees and hip slightly keep back straight Lift straight upward, in smooth motion Hold the weight close to the body while lifting Avoid twisting the trunk Stand high enough to avoid lifting above waist Better to push rather than lifting

24. Carrying Place both feet on the floor Hold the object close to the body near the centre of gravity. Hold the head erect and spine straight

25. Pushing Stand close to the object .Place yourself in proper body alignment Tense muscles and prepare for movement Hold the object close to the body near the centre of gravity Lean towards the object. Push away from utilizing body weight to add force Pulling Lean away from the object to pull it towards you

26. Reaching To get an object above head level 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 film base of support Keep one foot forward Keep the back straight Reach with both hands Before moving the objects, be sure that it is not too large or to heavy

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