BODY MECHANICS

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.
 With proper practice we can move smoothly and surely, minimizing personal
strain, conserving energy, enhancing safety, comfort and confidence of
patients.
 If we practice it incorrectly it may cause strain, fatigue or injury to the nurse
and patient itself.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

1.Weight is balanced
best when the center
of gravity is directly
above the base of
support.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

2. Enlarging the

base of support
increases the
stability of the body
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

3.A person or an
object is more stable
if the center of gravity
is close to the base of
support
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

4. Enlarging the base of

support in the direction of the
force to be applied increases
the amount of force that can
be applied
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

5.Tighten or contract
your supporting muscles
before beginning, a lifting
task to prevent injury.
 PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
6.Facing the direction of the task
to be performed and turning the
entire body in one plane (rather
than twisting) lessen susceptibility
of back injury
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
7.Lifting should be
undertaken by bending the
knees, and using the legs
muscles rather than using the
back
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
8. It takes less energy to
move an object on a level
surface that to move it up,
a slanted surface against
the force of gravity.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

9. Less energy is required

to move an object when
friction between the
object and the surface on
which it rest is minimized.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

10. It takes less energy

to hold an object close
to the body than at a
distance from the body
 PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

11. The weight of the

body can be used as a
force to assist in lifting
or moving.
 PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
12.Smooth, rhythmic
movements at moderate speed
requires less energy than rapid,
jerky ones.
 PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS
 13.When an object is  When an object is pulled, all of
pushed, it absorbs part the force exerted is available for
of the force being the task of moving.
exerted, leaving less
force available to move “PULL STEADILY RATHER
the object. THAN PUSHING"
 PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

14. It takes less energy to work

on a surface at an appropriate
height(usually waist level) than
it does to stoop or stretch to
reach the surface.