Body Mechanics

Question 1

Objectives

• At the end of the class, the student will be able to
• Explain the importance of proper body mechanics
• Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics while performing treatment interventions during skill competency and laboratory practical testing

Answer 1

fyi

Question 2

Review the Terms (p70)

Recumbent

Answer 2

Lying down

Question 3

“increase in one of the forward convexities”

Answer 3

Lordosis

Question 4

“movement of the pelvis so that the ASIS move anteriorly or posteriorly”

Answer 4

Pelvic Tilt

Question 5

Reasons for proper body mechanics
Safety

Answer 5

• Safety
• Conserve energy
• Reduce stress and strain on body structures
• Reduce personal injury
• Maintain balance
• Effective, efficient respiratory function

Question 6

“Described as the use of one’s body to produce motion that is safe, energy conserving, and anatomically and physiologically efficient and maintains body balance and control.”

Answer 6

Body mechanics

Question 7

Patients and therapy staff should breathe normally when performing physical activity

Avoid the Valsalva maneuver: when does it occur

Answer 7

• Occurs when the patient holds their breath and air is trapped in the thorax
• Increases intrathoracic pressure
• Can cause a rupture of a cerebral vessel or can cause a cerebral vascular accident

Question 8

the force that pulls toward the center of the earth and affects all objects

Answer 8

Gravity

Question 9

The act of rubbing one object against another

Answer 9

Friction

Question 10

fyi

Gravity and friction add resistance to many activities associated with lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling and carrying objects

Answer 10

fyi

Question 11

A component of a mechanical lever, it may be the force arm or the resistance arm
When the weight arm is decreased a greater mechanical advantage is created

Answer 11

Lever arms

Question 12

expression of the effectiveness of the force in turning a lever system

• When an object is held close, you use a short lever arm and will work more effectively because a lower torque is required

Answer 12

Torque

Question 13

the point at which the mass of the body or object is centered (Center of Mass)

Answer 13

Center of gravity (COG)

Question 14

the area on which an object rests and provides support for the object

Answer 14

Base of support:

Question 15

an imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity of an object

Answer 15

vertical gravity line

Question 16

Lifting properly

Answer 16

It is important to position your center of gravity close to the objects center of gravity
Keeping the 2 centers of gravity close to one another will help reduce the torque required to move or carry objects
The center of gravity is where the mass of an object is concentrated (the heaviest portion)

Have you ever seen a therapist assist a patient out of a wheelchair when at least moderate assist is required?

Question 17

Establishing your base of support and lowering your center of gravity will increase your stability for lifting

Answer 17

Lifting properly

Question 18

Adjusting the base of support can be done in two ways:

• Anterior posterior stance: 1 foot forward of the other foot
• Medial lateral stance: Place feet further apart side-by-side
• This will assist you in maintaining your vertical gravity line within your base of support

Answer 18

Base of support

Question 19

Alteration of center of gravity

Answer 19

• The center of gravity can be altered by reaching for an object or shifting your weight to one foot
• When you shift your center of gravity you may not be within your base of support and can lose your balance
• You must shift your base of support to maintain your balance

Question 20

stability

Answer 20

Stability is increased by lowering your center of gravity
Lowering your center of gravity can be done by squatting, stooping or kneeling

Question 21

Preparing to lift

Answer 21

Plan the activity mentally and physically
Break the movement down into a series of movements that will be required to perform the activity
Determine the patient’s weight by checking the medical record or asking the person their weight
With objects, estimate the weight by sliding, tilting or partially lifting it.

Ask yourself: Do I need to lift this?

Question 22

Preparing to lift 2

Answer 22

With objects it might be helpful to rock an object to gain momentum
Patients and anyone else assisting should be instructed in their responsibilities and tasks before the activity is performed
Have them repeat instructions to confirm their level of understanding

Question 23

Preparing to lift 3

Answer 23

All instructions should be brief and concise
Lead into the action by using phrases such as one…two…three
Be prepared at all times to anticipate unexpected events (patient may have been minimum assist before and becomes maximum assist on this current lift)

Question 24

Safety of transfer 1

Answer 24

Make sure the patient is pre-positioned
Use mechanical devices or equipment if necessary (hoist, transfer board, cart)
Raise or lower the bed as necessary
Use gravity or momentum
Always have assistance available before you attempt to complete a transfer you cannot safely perform alone

Question 25

Safety of transfer 2

Answer 25

Never bend and twist when lifting or reaching for an object This causes stress and strain to muscles ligaments and articulations in the posterior area of the spine and trunk Always stoop or squat if the object is below the level of your waist If reaching above your head use a foot stool or ladder

Question 26

Safety of transfer 3

Answer 26

* Be aware of your own physical abilities and limitations * Perform activities within your limits * If attempting activities that are outside of your limits or if you aren’t sure of this, ask for assistance * Your primary goal is to perform the activity safely, efficiently and with minimal stress or strain

Question 27

Lifting principles and techniques 1

Answer 27

* The position of the lumbar spine is important during lifting * Stress can be caused by the posture or position a person uses, the weight or size of the object or the repetitiveness of the activity * Stress also occurs due to poor physical condition of the structures of the lumbar spine and abdominal muscles or being in a sustained flexed lumbar position

Question 28

Lifting principles and techniques 2

Answer 28

1. Injuries can occur from a single act of lifting a heavy object, lifting improperly or repetitive lifting 2. Most injuries to the low back are caused by cumulative episodes of microtrauma caused by repetitive lifting

Question 29

lifting principles and techniques

Answer 29

To avoid injury: Maintain good general body strength and flexibility Maintain proper nutrition (are you hydrated?) Get appropriate rest What is the best resting position of the spine? Always use good posture Always use proper body mechanics

Question 30

Faulty posture Stressful living and work habits Poor use of body mechanics Repetitive microtrauma Poor flexibility of muscles and ligaments of the back and trunk Decline in general physical fitness Improper lifting

Answer 30

Common causes of back problems

Question 31

* The lumbar spine should be maintained in a neutral position * The neutral position includes a lordosis in the lumbar spine * This reduces stress on the major structures of the lumbar area * When the lumbar spine is in a position of lordosis there will be a decrease tendency to bend forward at the waist during lifting

Answer 31

Proper posture

Question 32

Proper posture

Answer 32

Flexion of hips and knees allow us a lower center of gravity and provides an effective position for muscles of the lower extremities to perform the lift Isometric contraction of the abdominal muscles helps provide stability and decreases the load to the lumbar spine

Question 33

Deep squat lift (p75-76) Hips are below the level of the knees Lifters feet straddling object Maintain trunk in a vertical position Lumbar spine remains in lordosis Do we not consider what the abs are doing?

Answer 33

Lifting techniques

Question 34

Lifting techniques 2 A half squat is performed, hips are above the level of the knees Feet are positioned parallel to one another and remain behind the object Trunk is maintained in a more vertical position and lumbar spine remains in lordosis What about the abs? \*the text figures for deep and power look very similar. There are small noted differences.

Answer 34

Power lift (p75-76)

Question 35

Lifting techniques Knees are slightly flexed or fully extended Feet either parallel to each other or straddle the object The trunk is positioned either vertically or horizontally Lumbar spine remains in lordosis And the abs???

Answer 35

Straight leg lift (p75 & 77)

Question 36

Lifting techniques use for lifting light objects easily lifted with one hand Face the object with body weight shifted onto the forward lower extremity Weight-bearing lower extremities partially flexed at the hip and knee Non-weight-bearing lower extremity is extended to counter balance the forward movement of the trunk

Answer 36

* One leg stance lift (p75 & 77)

Question 37

Lifting techniques Face the object with the feet anteriorposterior on each side of the object Lower extremities are in a deep squat Grasp the side of the object with extremities parallel or anterior-posterior to one another The lift is started by flexor muscles of the upper extremities partially lifting the object Lower extremities then raised the body with object to an upright position Object should be held close to the body and lumbar spine maintained in normal of the lordosis

Answer 37

Traditional lift (p78)

Question 38

Pushing pulling reaching and carrying

Answer 38

* The same principals used for lifting apply to pushing and pulling activities * In a therapy department this could include moving a gurney, pushing or pulling a wheelchair, or moving equipment.

Question 39

Pushing, pulling, reaching and carrying

Answer 39

* When possible use a crouch or semi-squat position to push or pull. * Remember…. center of gravity near to the objects center of gravity to increase your stability * when pushing and pulling things, force should be applied parallel to the surface over which the object is to be moved and in the line of movement desired.

Question 40

Pushing, pulling, reaching, and carrying 2

Answer 40

* Consideration should be given on how to overcome the effects of inertia and friction in the influence of vector forces * Inertia and friction are forces and slow or inhibit movement of an object * Be prepared to use greater effort when beginning to push or pull as more force is required to move a stationary object * Hello Physics!!! Ahh… the memories….

Question 41

Reaching overhead

Answer 41

it is less strenuous if you can lower the object or raise your position ## Footnote Why?

Question 42

Posture and Body Control

Answer 42

Prevention of back and neck problems is important in the workplace * Good posture, strength and flexibility are important factors * Poor posture can cause prolonged tension on muscles or joints causing chronic muscle and joint strains * Poor physical conditioning leads to loss of the strength and endurance * Sustained posture can result in pain and fatigue

Question 43

Posture and body control Ideal alignment per plumb line assessment:

Answer 43

* Slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus * Slightly anterior or through the knee * Through the greater trochanter or * Midway through the trunk * Through the shoulder * Through the bodies of the cervical vertebrae * Through the lobe of the ear

Question 44

Posture and body control The posture that places minimal stress on the back is in sitting

Answer 44

Proper sitting posture includes a resting position for the upper extremities and an absence of a forward head posture Lumbar support in sitting can improve posture

Question 45

Posture and body control 4 Sustained standing causes postural fatigue and can worsen kyphosis Correcting faulty posture is important for preventing \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_?

Answer 45

injuries

Question 46

Posture and body control

Answer 46

* Providing information on basic anatomy of the body can be important. * Instruction in use of proper body mechanics and correcting faulty positions should occur during therapy * Simple exercises including posterior pelvic tilt, knee to chest, partial sit-ups, hamstring stretches, hip extension stretch, press ups, wall slides and neck stretches can be helpful.

Question 47

Posture and body control Instruct patients in methods to protect or to relieve back stress

Answer 47

* Place 1 foot on a stool while standing * Use of a lumbar cushion or role while sitting * Proper positioning at a desk or table * Frequent changes in positions that can reduce back stress or strain * it might be important for the work or home environment to be evaluated