Body Mechanics

   Body Mechanics  is the study of human movement. Occupational Therapist (OT) use this term to describe how we move during our daily activities. Proper body mechanics helps to prevent injury, avoid fatigue, and make the best use of strength. Poor body mechanics leads to increased stress on our bodies and possible injury. When you learn how to control and balance your own body, you can safely control and move another person. OT educate clients on proper body mechanics in hopes to prevent potential injuries and falls. Education includes topics regarding causes of injury, injury prevention, and training to ensure correct body mechanics during movement. OT also target individuals who are experiencing mild symptoms from poor body mechanics to eliminate and prevent further injury (if you feel a strain in your lower back, stop transferring and get help).

The Value of Proper Body Mechanics:

• conserves energy

• reduce stress and strain to muscles, joints, ligaments, and soft tissue

• promote effective, efficient and safe environments

• promote and maintain proper body control and balance

• promote effective, efficient respiratory and cardiopulmonary function

General Rules:

• never lift more than you can comfortable handle

• create a base of support by standing with your feet 8-12" (shoulder width) apart with one foot a half-step ahead of the other

• Do not let your back do the heavy work - USE YOUR LEGS

• if the bed is low, put one foot on a footstool (this relieves pressure on your lower back)

Common Causes of Back Problems or Discomfort:

• faulty posture                                                  
•                                                      

• stressful living (inability to relax)

• faulty, improper use of body mechanics

• poor flexibility or muscles and ligaments of the back and trunk

• decline in general physical fitness

• improper lift, push, pull, reach, or carry

• episodes of trauma that culminate in one specific or final event

Guidelines for Lifting Activities:

Be kind to your back

• mentally and physically plan the activity before attempting it

• before lifting a person or moving anything, make sure you can lift or move it safely (do not lift a person or a load alone if it seems too heavy)

• spread your feet shoulder width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other to provide a good base of support

• bend at your knees (not at your waist)

• keep your back as straight as possible

• bring the person/load as close to your body as you can

• lift with your legs (using your stronger leg and trunk muscles)

• do not twist at the waist - if you need to change direction, do so when upright and shift your feet making small steps. (keep you back and neck in a straight line)

• when possible, pull, push, or slide instead of lifting them.

•  Half kneeling lift

Guidelines for Pushing and Pulling Activities:

• crouch and face the object squarely

• use your arms and legs to push or pull; push with your arms partially bent

• push or pull in a straight line; you force should be parallel to the floor

• be certain there are not objects in your path and doorways are wide enough for the object to pass through

Guidelines for Reaching Activities:

• Stand on a footstool or ladder to reach or place an object above your head

• be certain you will be able to control the object safely

• move the object close to you or move close to the object before grasping, lowering, or raising it

• hold the object close to your body as you step down from or onto the footstool

 

Guideline for Carrying Activities:

• carry all objects holding them close to your body; the best position is in front of your body at the level of your waist or mid-chest
• if you carry an object in one hand (suitcase), alternate carrying it in one hand and then in the other; do not twist your back when moving the object from one hand to the other; stop to lift it from the floor
• balance the load whenever possible
• some bulky or heavy objects can be carried on your shoulders, especially if it must be carried for long distances     
•  

Transfer Activities:

Preparation

• prepare the patient, environment, your-self, and possible other persons before performing a transfer activity

• mentally plan and organize the activity

• you should instruct your loved one about his or her role and how to assist or perform the activity

• if the person cannot help with the transfer at all,  you need special training and/or adaptive equipment (hoyer lift) to lift and move him.

• excessively loose clothing, long trousers, slacks or pajamas and slippery, loose, or ill-fitting footwear should be avoided

• a gait belt should be applied if the patient will move from one surface to another

Principles

• present all instruction slowly and allow time for the patient to process and apply them

• once the transfer has begun, remain close to the client

• use gait belt for stabilization

• do not use patients extremities or clothing for guidance

• use proper body mechanics to reduce the possibility of injury

Precautions

• do not let the person put their arms around your neck - they could pull you forward and make you lose your balance.

• you should anticipate and be alert for unusual patient actions or equipment that may create unexpected risks

• the environment should be free of unneeded equipment such as bedside trays, telephones, IV poles, and other hazards.

 

 

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Caregivers, do you have any specific questions pertaining to this blog?

We are here to help you! If you have any further questions for our experts, please post them in the comment box below or email them to asu.ask.an.ot@gmail.com. Questions are reviewed and answered weekly. Each expert is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Visit ASK an OT's first blog post to read more about our experts, Dr. Susan Philhower Denham Ed.D, OTR/L, CHT and Dr. Jewell J. Dickson, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, substitute for medical advice, nor is it a referral for occupational therapy services. You should consult a physician regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.

Resources:

1. Pierson, F.M. & Fairchild, S.L. (2008) Principles & Techniques of Patient Care. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier. 
2. http://www.ossrpt.com/occupational_therapy/occupational_therapy.php?pageid=26&cat_id=2
3. http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/oct_09/positioning_moving_transfers.html