Correct body biomechanics

The laws of mechanical movements in living systems are studied by science called body biomechanics. She explores the complex holistic systems to which a person relates. Every movement of man obeys the universal laws of physics. But biomechanics is a more complex science than the mechanics that studies inanimate bodies. After all, control of body movements is carried out by the joint work of such parts and organs of man as the skeleton, muscles, vestibular apparatus, and also the nervous system.

Biomechanics and Medicine

Biomechanics of the body in medicine is engaged in the study of such important systems as the musculoskeletal, nervous, and also the vestibular apparatus. They maintain the balance of the person, provide the most physiological position of the body in different states, such as peace, walking, lifting gravity, tilt, sitting, standing, lying position. Moreover, this science studies the coordination of human efforts during the performance of everyday life functions. A good body biomechanics in practice means the correct position of the human body throughout the day. It is important to keep in mind the correct biomechanics, and not just during the occurrence of any pain, then the health problems will be greatly reduced.

The relationship between biomechanics and ergonomics

In medicine, the biomechanics of the body occupies a special place. Ergonomics also plays an important role in health care. This science deals with the study of the movement of goods, as well as a variety of non-living objects. Ergonomics takes into account several important factors: the work performed, the patient himself, the environment, the work organization, the training, and also the person who works directly. All parameters must be relevant and monitored. The work is considered to be ergonomically executed, when all the above factors are evaluated, the degree of risk is defined and reduced in such a way that the execution of the assigned task becomes the most comfortable. In medical institutions it is extremely important to observe the laws of body biomechanics and ergonomics. Then any movements and movements of the patient or various inanimate objects by hand will become as convenient, effective and safe as possible.

Why does a health worker need knowledge of the biomechanics of the body?

In all medical institutions, employees from time to time take care of seriously ill patients. This work often leads to the fact that the body is affected by some negative factors. Basically, health workers are affected by heavy physical activities that are associated with the transportation of patients. If during the movement of a patient the hospital employee treats him not according to the rules, it can lead to spinal injuries or to the appearance of back pain. Correct biomechanics of the body of the nurse will prevent the occurrence of various problems with the spine both in the nurse and the patient. To ensure the optimal position of the body, you must follow certain rules. Before you begin moving the patient, you need to identify some important factors. A nurse must know:

• Why you need to move the patient;
• In what state of health is he at the moment;
• Whether there are auxiliary mechanical means for moving;
• If several people are involved in the transportation of the patient, it is necessary to identify among them the leader who will give the team.

What is important to remember before moving the patient?

First of all, the patient should be in a safe and comfortable position. The personnel of the medical institution should take a position in which the balance will be observed in relation to the weight of the patient and the direction of his movement. Using your own body weight will help relieve tension. Before starting the lifting, workers should ensure that their legs are in a stable position. Next, you need to approach the patient as close as possible, keeping your back straight. All employees must perform movements in the same rhythm. In addition, it is important to determine which of the personnel involved will perform the most difficult work, namely, to keep the hips and the trunk of the patient. If the patient is raised without auxiliary means, then all employees should hold hands tightly. It is better to hold on to the wrist of a colleague than for his fingers, then the hands will not disengage, even if they are wet.

How to lift weights?

Before lifting a heavy load, it is necessary to correctly place the feet. They should be at a distance of thirty centimeters from each other. In this case, one stop should be slightly pushed forward. This position of the legs allows you to achieve good support and reduce the risk of losing balance or falling. Biomechanics of the body of a nurse when raising a patient is of paramount importance. Before lifting the patient, the sister needs to take a position near him so that there is no need to lean forward. The process of recovery requires maximum caution on the part of the health worker. When raising the patient, the nurse must press it against him. In addition, during this process only the knees are bent, and the trunk remains in a strictly vertical position. The nurse should not make any sudden or careless movements, as this can lead to various injuries to the patient.

Biomechanics in the seated position

To evenly distribute the body weight, and also reduce the load on the lower back, you need to know the rules of biomechanics in the sitting position. Knees should be slightly above the hips. The back needs to be straightened, and the abdominal muscles - to strain. In this case the shoulders need to be straightened and placed symmetrically in the hips. If you need to turn around, then you need to use the whole body, not just your chest and shoulders. Nurses often have to sit and turn on their chairs in view of their activities. Therefore, in the first place, you need to choose the right chair. To do this, lean against the back of the chair. Two-thirds of the length of the thighs of a person should be located on the seat. If the height and depth of the workstation are not matched correctly, the person will experience stress when touching the floor with stops. If the chair is not suitable for the worker, it is necessary to replace it or use a variety of devices, such as pillows or footrests.

Biomechanics in the standing position

The correct biomechanics of the body in standing position also requires knowledge of several important rules. First of all, a person needs to relax his knees for free movement of the joints. The feet should be on the width of the shoulders. The body should be held vertically, straining the muscles of the press and buttocks. The head can not be tilted, since the chin should be in the horizontal plane (thus reducing the load on the lumbar spine). Shoulder belt should be located in the same plane with the hips. If a person needs to make a turn, the feet should first be deployed, and only then the whole body. In no event should one begin to turn from the waist.

Three types of patient position

The biomechanics of the patient's body depends on the position he occupies with respect to the bed. The patient's position is considered active when he can independently and easily move around, serve himself and take any convenient position. This condition is typical for a person with a mild course of the disease. With the passive position, the patient is not able to actively move. The cause of this condition can be oppressed consciousness, poisoning, weakness, etc. Thus, the patient requires the help of medical staff, since he can not always move independently. Forced position a person occupies in the case when he wants to ease a serious condition. For example, get rid of cough, reduce shortness of breath or pain. This position of the patient is typical for acute inflammation of the digestive tract, pleurisy or choking. First, the nurse must determine which position the patient occupies with respect to his bed, and then apply the appropriate rules of biomechanics.

The patient is immobilized - what should I do?

If the patient is in an immobilized state, then biomechanics plays an extremely important role for him. The position of the patient's body should be constantly monitored by the staff. The nurse must know that the patient is not able to change his position on his own and requires assistance from the staff. People whose illness takes such a severe form, risk getting violations in the work of many organs, systems, musculoskeletal functions. Possible bedsores (ulcerative skin changes), joint contractures (long restrictions in movement), as well as muscle wasting (thinning of muscle fibers). By placing the patient, the nurse must give him functional positions that contribute to the physiological location of the entire body, reduce the risk of potential complications associated with prolonged immobility. Applying the basic rules of biomechanics, a nurse will help a patient avoid various spinal injuries or develop additional diseases.

Step-by-step movement of a recumbent patient

First, the nurse should assess the following factors: mobility of the patient, his muscular strength, reaction to what he heard. Next, you need to raise the bed so that working with the patient is the most convenient for both sides. Also, remove all excess items (pillows, blankets) that can interfere with the movement. If necessary, you need to call for help from a nurse, another nurse or a doctor. Before starting work with the patient, it is necessary to explain to him the meaning of the forthcoming procedure for calming the person and cooperation on his part. Bedding should be given a horizontal position and fix it. To reduce the risk of infection, the nurse works with gloves. Biomechanics of the body must be observed, so the nurse must check the correctness of the patient's body. The back of the patient should be in the forward position. All kinds of curvatures or stresses are excluded. Also, the nurse needs to find out whether the patient is comfortable in his position.

Importance of Biomechanics

To keep the body in a vertical position, you must not lose balance. This will help to avoid such risk factors as falling, injury or excessive strain on the spine. To maintain a stable position of the body, it is necessary to determine the ratio of two things: the center of gravity of man and the area of support. In different positions, the center of gravity changes accordingly. Knowing a subject such as the biomechanics of the human body will help to effectively meet the need for movement, avoiding falls and injuries.