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    Principles of Body Mechanics

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    Khie-An Ocampo
    Body mechanics refers to using correct muscles to safely and efficiently complete tasks without straining muscles or joints. Proper body mechanics principles include maintaining a stable center of gravity by keeping the back straight and bending at the hips and knees, having a wide base of support by keeping feet apart and flexing knees, and keeping the line of gravity vertical. Techniques like lifting, reaching, pivoting, and avoiding stooping should incorporate these principles to prevent injuries to oneself and others.

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    Principles of Body Mechanics

    Uploaded by

    Khie-An Ocampo
    3K views2 pages
    Body mechanics refers to using correct muscles to safely and efficiently complete tasks without straining muscles or joints. Proper body mechanics principles include maintaining a stable center of gravity by keeping the back straight and bending at the hips and knees, having a wide base of support by keeping feet apart and flexing knees, and keeping the line of gravity vertical. Techniques like lifting, reaching, pivoting, and avoiding stooping should incorporate these principles to prevent injuries to oneself and others.

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    Body mechanics refers to using correct muscles to safely and efficiently complete tasks without straining muscles or joints. Proper body mechanics principles include maintaining a stable center of gravity by keeping the back straight and bending at the hips and knees, having a wide base of support by keeping feet apart and flexing knees, and keeping the line of gravity vertical. Techniques like lifting, reaching, pivoting, and avoiding stooping should incorporate these principles to prevent injuries to oneself and others.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    3K views2 pages

    Principles of Body Mechanics

    Uploaded by

    Khie-An Ocampo
    Body mechanics refers to using correct muscles to safely and efficiently complete tasks without straining muscles or joints. Proper body mechanics principles include maintaining a stable center of gravity by keeping the back straight and bending at the hips and knees, having a wide base of support by keeping feet apart and flexing knees, and keeping the line of gravity vertical. Techniques like lifting, reaching, pivoting, and avoiding stooping should incorporate these principles to prevent injuries to oneself and others.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    DEFINITION

    Body mechanics is the utilization of correct muscles to complete a task safely and efficiently, without
    undue strain on any muscle or joint.

    4-3. PRINCIPLES OF GOOD BODY MECHANICS

    a. Maintain a stable center of gravity.

     Keep your center of gravity low.


     Keep your back straight.
     Bend at the knees and hips.

    b. Maintain a Wide Base of Support. This will provide you with maximum stability while lifting.

     Keep your feet apart.


     Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.
     Flex your knees to absorb jolts.
     Turn with your feet.

    c. Maintain the Line of Gravity. The line should pass vertically through the base of support.

     Keep your back straight.


     Keep the object being lifted close to your body.

    d. Maintain Proper Body Alignment.

     Tuck in your buttocks.


     Pull your abdomen in and up.
     Keep your back flat.
     Keep your head up.
     Keep your chin in.
     Keep your weight forward and supported on the outside of your feet.

    4-4. TECHNIQUES OF BODY MECHANICS

    a. Lifting.

     Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting.


     Bend at the knees and hips; keep your back straight.
     Lift straight upward, in one smooth motion.

    b. Reaching.
     Stand directly in front of and close to the object.
     Avoid twisting or stretching.
     Use a stool or ladder for high objects.
     Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support.
     Before moving the object, be sure that it is not too large or too heavy.

    c. Pivoting.

     Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.


     Turn both feet at the same time, pivoting on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other.
     Maintain a good center of gravity while holding or carrying the object.

    d. Avoid Stooping.

     Squat (bending at the hips and knees).


     Avoid stooping (bending at the waist).
     Use your leg muscles to return to an upright position.

    4-6. REASONS FOR THE USE OF PROPER BODY MECHANICS

    Use proper body mechanics in order to avoid the following:

     Excessive fatigue.
     Muscle strains or tears.
     Skeletal injuries.
     Injury to the patient.
     Injury to assisting staff members.

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