Body Mechanics and Mobility

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this chapter the learner will be able to:
• State the principle underlying proper body mechanics and relate a nursing consideration.
• State the purposes of range of motion exercise.
• Identify principles related to safe movement of clients in and out of bed.
• Demonstrate the ability to move a partially mobile client safely from bed to chair and back.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach each of the crutch walking gaits to a client.
• Mention different positions used for various examination and treatment.

Key Terminology
Body alignment        Dorsal lithotomy
Prone
Base of support       Foot drop
Protective device
Body mechanics        Fowler’s position
Recumbent
Center of gravity     Gait
Rotation
Contracture           Gaitbelt
Transfer belt
Centrolateral         Line of gravity
Sim’s position
Dangling              Paralysis
Supnation

Acronyms
AROM
PROM
ROM

Body Mechanics:
is the effort; coordinated, and safe use of the body to produce motion and maintain balance during activity.

Proper Body Mechanics
Use of safest and most efficient methods of moving and lifting is called body mechanics. This means applying mechanical principles of movements to the human body.

Basic Principles of Body Mechanics
The laws of physics govern all movements. From these laws we derive the general principles of body mechanics.