BODY MECHANICS

Fundamental of Nursing I

BODY MECHANICS
The purposeful and coordinated use of body parts and position during activity. Describe the efficient, coordinating, and safe use of the body to move objects and carry out the activities of daily living.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY MECHANICS

Proper body alignment and posture prevent fatigue and deformities Good posture promotes normal physiological functions of the body. It aids in circulation and digestion It helps to maintain the balance of the body without undue strain on the body parts It contributes to ones beauty Good posture prevents the development of kyphosis, lardosis and scoliosis etc.

POOR POSTURE WILL CAUSE

PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS

Proper balancing of all parts helps to conserve energy. Stability of the body is maintained by is maintained by having a greater base of support Injury and strain on the lower back can be avoided by performing pelvic tilt before the activity

CONT

Facing the direction of work will help to avoid the chances of injury Initiating movement requires more energy than maintaining the movement of an object Moving an object from a level surface requires less energy Reducing friction between the object moved and the surface on which it is moved requires less energy Holding an object close to the body requires less energy than holding it farther away.

CONT

Muscle strain can be avoided by using the strong leg muscles when lifting, pushing and pulling Smooth continuous movements are easier and safer than sudden and sharp or uncontrolled movements Using rhythmic movements at normal speed require less energy

HOW TO SIT CORRECTLY

RULES OF BODY MECHANICS

Assess

the situation carefully before acting, careful planning is very important Maintain good posture in all activities. Stand with a wide base support. The greater the base of support the more stable the body is. Use stronger, larger and longer muscles of the body which include the shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips While lifting, moving or carrying an object keep it close to the body to prevent unnecessary strain on the muscle

CONT
Avoid

unnecessary bending and reaching for the object. Flex the knees to come close to the object. Adjust the bed /table to the proper height. Keep work close to the body e.g., sit close to the desk when performing a task at a desk Slide, roll, push or pull the object rather than lifting it in order to reduce the energy needed to lift the weight against the pull of gravity

CONT
Use

the weight of the body to pull or push an object Face the area of direction of work Use both the hands and arms for lifting , moving or carrying While changing the direction of movement turn the whole body Avoid sudden jerky movements To lift heavy objects get help from others. Squat to lift heavy objects from the floor

CONT
Bend

hips, knees to alter position of the body. Use elbows, hip and knees as levers when lifting Use mechanical devices when appropriate. Holding the breath during a physical activity is an indication of muscle strain and inefficient use of body mechanics

PROPER LIFTING

CORRECT
POSITION

PROPER LIFTING

THEREFORE, WE MUST LEARN FROM HIM!

THE END THANK YOU

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