BODY MECHANICS

AND
ROM EXERCISES

WILMA N. BERALDE, RM, RN, MAN

CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR
DEFINITION

BODY MECHANICS is the term used to described the

efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to
move objects and carry out the activities of daily
living.
WHY DO WE NEED PROPER
BODY MECHANICS?
PURPOSES OF MAINTAINING PROPER BODY
MECHANICS
Use of proper body mechanics in terms of posture and alignment helps in:
 reducing risk of injury to the musculo-skeletal system.
 facilitating body movement without muscle strain and excessive use of muscle
energy.
 maintaining adequate muscle tone; thus contributing to balance of the body.
 preventing fatigue and deformities e.g. kyphosis, lordosis etc.
 promoting physiological functions of the body as it aids in circulation and
digestion.
 reducing energy expenditure.
 facilitating aesthetic well-being in terms of physical fitness and shape.
TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO BODY
MECHANICS
There are various terms used in relation to body mechanics. Some of these
terms are:
 Body Alignment- Body alignment refers to the positioning of joints,
tendons, ligaments and muscles while in standing, sitting and lying
positions.
 Body Balance- Body balance refers to a state of the body achieved when
the centre of gravity is balanced over a wide, stable base of support and a
vertical line falls from the centre of gravity through the base of support.
TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO BODY
MECHANICS
 Posture- Posture refers to the position of the body in relation to the
surrounding space. It is the relationship of various body parts at rest
or any phase of activity.
 Mobility- Mobility is a person’s ability to move about freely owing to
his/her voluntary motor and sensory control of the body’s regions.
 Immobility- Immobility occurs when the individual is confined to a
position and is unable to move or change positions independently.
TERMINOLOGY RELATED TO BODY
MECHANICS
 Bed Rest- Bed rest is an intervention in which the client is restricted to
bed for therapeutic reasons.
 Weight- Weight is the force exerted on a body by gravity.
 Friction- Friction is a force that occurs in a direction to oppose
movement.
 Anatomical Position- Anatomical position refers to a position wherein
the individual stands erect (upright position) facing the observer, with
feet on the floor and arms placed at the sides, and the palms of the hands
turned forward.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

Certain principles underlying body movement can serve as guide for

the patient and the nurse. Correct body mechanics is necessary for
health promotion and prevention of disability. The principles of body
mechanics include:
 The wider the base of support, the greater the stability of the
nurse.
 The lower the centre of gravity, the greater the stability the nurse.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

 The equilibrium of an object is maintained as long as the line of

gravity passes through its base of support.
 The stronger the muscle group, the greater amount of work that
can be safely done by it.
 Facing the direction of movement prevents abnormal twisting of
spine.  
 Dividing balanced activity between arms legs reduces the risk of
back injury while lifting or moving an object.
PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

 Leverage, rolling, turning or pivoting requires less work than lifting.

 When friction is reduced between the object to be moved and the
surface on which it is moved, less force is required to move it.
 Reducing the force of work reduces of injury.
 Maintaining good body mechanics reduces fatigue of the muscle
groups.
 Alternating periods of rest and activity help reduce fatigue.
PROCEDURES FOR MOVING, LIFTING AND
POSITIONING OF PATIENTS
ROM (RANGE OF MOTION) EXERCISES
INTRODUCTION

ROM Exercises are performed by patient himself or by a

nurse in case of helpless patients to mobilize all joint
through their full range. ROM exercises are those in which a
joint is moved through its full range of motion according to
its capacity.
CLASSIFICATION

There are two types of ROM exercises:

 Active: Done by patient himself.
 Passive: Done with help of assistant from another
person.