BODY MECHANICS

Efficient, coordinated & safe use of the body to move objects and carry out the activities
of daily living.
PRINCIPLES OF GOOD BODY MECHANICS
1. Maintain a Stable Center of Gravity
Keep your center of gravity low.
Keep your back straight.
Bend at the knees and hips.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
REASONS FOR CHANGING THE POSITION OF A PATIENT
The following are reasons for changing a patient's position.
1.

To promote comfort and relaxation.

2.

To restore body function.

Changing positions improves gastrointestinal function.

 It also improves respiratory function.

Changing positions allows for greater lung expansion.
It relieves pressure on the diaphragm.
3.

To prevent deformities.
When one lies in bed for long periods of time, muscles become atonic and atrophy.
Prevention of deformities will allow the patient to ambulate when his activity level is
advanced.

4.

To relieve pressure and prevent strain (which lead to the formation of decubiti).

5.

To stimulate circulation.

6.

To give treatments (that is), range of motion exercises).

LOG ROLLING TECHNIQUE

Logrolling is a technique used to turn a patient whose body must at all times be kept in a
straight alignment (like a log).
This technique is used for the patient who has a spinal injury.
Logrolling is used for the patient who must be turned in one movement, without twisting.
Logrolling requires two people, or if the patient is large, three people.
1. Review the physicians orders &
nursing plan of care for patient activity.

Validates the correct patient & correct

procedure.

2. Perform hand hygiene & put on gloves,

if necessary.
3. Identify the patient. Explain the
procedure to the patient

Prevents the spread of microorganisms.

4. Provide privacy.
5. Place bed at an appropriate &
comfortable working height.
6. Lower the side rail nearest you. Make
sure the side rail on the opposite side of
the bed is raised.
7. Position yourself with your feet apart
and your knees flexed close to the side
of the bed.
8. Fold the patient's arms across his chest.

9. Place your arms under the patient so

that a major portion of the patient's
weight is centered between your arms.
The arm of one nurse should support
the patient's head and neck.
10. On the count of three, move the patient
to the side of the bed, rocking

Validates the correct patient & correct

procedure. Helps allay anxiety &
prepare the patient for what to expect.
To promote comfort.
Helps reduce back strain while
performing the procedure.
Prevents strain on the nurse. Prevents
the patient from possible injury.
Helps avoid straining the nurses lower
back.
Facilitates the turning motion &
protects the patients arms during the
turn.
Provides support to the patients
vertebral column.

To prevent further spinal cord injury.

backward on your heels and keeping

the patient's body in correct alignment.
11.
1.

Wash your hands.

2.
Approach and identify the patient (by checking the identification band) and explain the
procedure (using simple terms and pointing out the benefits).
3.

Provide privacy.

4.

Position the bed.

The bed should be in the flat position at a comfortable working height.

Lower the side rail on the side of the body at which you are working.

5.

Position yourself with your feet apart and your knees flexed close to the side of the bed.

6.

Fold the patient's arms across his chest.

7.
Place your arms under the patient so that a major portion of the patient's weight is
centered between your arms. The arm of one nurse should support the patient's head and neck.
8.
On the count of three, move the patient to the side of the bed, rocking backward on your
heels and keeping the patient's body in correct alignment.
9.

Raise the side rail on that side of the bed.

10.

Move to the other side of the bed.

11.

Place a pillow under the patient's head and another between his legs.

12.

Position the patient's near arm toward you.

13.
Grasp the far side of the patient's body with your hands evenly distributed from the
shoulder to the thigh.
14.
On the count of three, roll the patient to a lateral position, rocking backward onto your
heels.
15.
Place pillows in front of and behind the patient's trunk to support his alignment in the
lateral position.
16.

Provide for the patient's comfort and safety.

1 Position the call bell.

2 Place personal items within reach.

3 Be sure the side rails are up and secure.

17.

Report and record as appropriate.