The laws of mechanical movements in living systems are studied by a science called body biomechanics. She explores complex holistic systems to which a person belongs. Every human movement obeys the universal laws of physics. But biomechanics is a more complex science than mechanics studying inanimate bodies. After all, control over body movements is carried out by the joint work of such parts and organs of a person as the skeleton, muscles, vestibular apparatus, and also the nervous system.
Biomechanics and Medicine
Body biomechanics in medicine is engaged in the study of such important systems as the musculoskeletal, nervous, and vestibular apparatus. They maintain the balance of a person, provide the most physiological position of the body in various conditions, such as rest, walking, lifting, bending, sitting, standing, lying down. Moreover, this science studies the coordination of human efforts during the performance of everyday life functions. Good body biomechanics in practice means the correct position of the human body throughout the day. It is important to constantly remember the correct biomechanics, and not only during the occurrence of any pain, then health problems will be significantly reduced.
The relationship between biomechanics and ergonomics
In medicine, a special place is occupied by the body biomechanics. Ergonomics also play an important role in healthcare. This science is studying the movement of goods, as well as a variety of inanimate objects. Ergonomics takes into account several important factors: the work performed, the patient himself, the environment, labor organization, training, as well as the person who works directly. All parameters must be relevant and monitored. The work is considered ergonomically completed when all of the above factors are evaluated, the degree of risk is determined and reduced in such a way that the execution of the task becomes the most comfortable. In medical institutions it is extremely important to comply with 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 healthcare provider need knowledge of body biomechanics?
In all hospitals, employees occasionally look after seriously ill patients. This work often leads to some negative factors affecting the body. Mostly, health workers are affected by heavy physical exertion, which are associated with the transportation of patients. If during the patient’s movement, a hospital employee does not treat him in accordance with the rules, this can lead to spinal injuries or back pain. Proper biomechanics of the body of a nurse will prevent the occurrence of various problems with the spine in both the nurse and the patient. To ensure optimal body position, certain rules must be followed. Before you begin moving the patient, you need to identify some important factors. The nurse must know:
- Why move the patient;
- in what state of health he is at the moment;
- are there any auxiliary mechanical means for moving;
- if several people take part in the transportation of the patient, then it is necessary to determine among them a leader who will give commands.
What is important to remember before moving a patient?
First of all, the patient should be in a safe and comfortable position. The staff of the medical institution must take a position in which equilibrium will be respected in relation to the weight of the patient and the direction of his movement. Using your own body weight will help relieve stress. Before lifting, workers must 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 involved personnel will perform the most difficult work, namely, to keep the patient's hips and torso. If the patient is raised without auxiliary means, then all employees should hold hands tightly. At the same time, it is better to hold on to the colleague’s wrist than on his fingers, then his hands will not be disengaged, even if they are wet.
How to lift weights?
Before lifting a heavy load, it is necessary to correctly position the feet. They should be thirty centimeters apart. In this case, one foot should be slightly advanced. This position of the legs allows you to achieve good support and reduce the risk of losing balance or falling. The biomechanics of the body of a nurse when raising a patient is of paramount importance. Before raising the patient, the sister needs to occupy a position near him so that there is no need to lean forward. The lifting process requires maximum care on the part of the healthcare provider. When raising a patient, the sister needs to press him to her. In addition, during this process, only the knees are bent, and the body 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 a sitting position
To evenly distribute body weight, as well as reduce the load on the lower back, you need to know the rules of biomechanics in a sitting position. Knees should be slightly above your hips. The back must be straightened, and the abdominal muscles must be strained. In this case, the shoulders need to be straightened and positioned symmetrically to the hips. If you need to turn around, then you need to use the entire body, and not just the chest and shoulders. A nurse, in view of her activities, often has to sit and turn around in a chair. Therefore, first of all, you need to choose the right chair. To do this, lean against the back of a chair. Two-thirds of a person’s hips should be located on the seat. If the height and depth of the workplace are not selected correctly, then the person will experience stress when touching the floor with his feet. If the chair does not fit the worker, you must replace it or use a variety of devices, such as pillows or footrests.
Standing Biomechanics
Correct biomechanics of the body in a 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 shoulder width apart. The body must be held vertically, straining the muscles of the press and buttocks. The head should not be tilted, since the chin should be in a horizontal plane (this reduces the load on the lumbar spine). The shoulder girdle should be located in the same plane with the hips. If a person needs to make a turn, then the feet should be deployed first, and only then the whole body. In no case should you begin to turn around from the lower back.
Three types of patient position
The biomechanics of the patient's body depends on the position that he occupies relative to the bed. The position of the patient is considered active when he can independently and easily move around, serve himself and take any convenient posture. This condition is characteristic of a person with a mild course of the disease. In a passive position, the patient is not able to actively move. The cause of this condition may be oppressed consciousness, poisoning, weakness, etc. Thus, the patient requires the help of medical staff, since he can not always move independently. A person takes a forced position when he wants to alleviate a serious condition. For example, get rid of cough, reduce shortness of breath or pain. This position of the patient is characteristic of acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, pleurisy or suffocation. First, the nurse must determine what position the patient occupies with respect to her bed, and only 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 body position of the patient should be constantly monitored by staff. The nurse must know that the patient is not able to independently change the position and requires help from the staff. People in whom the disease takes such a severe form are at risk of impaired functioning of many organs, systems, and musculoskeletal functions. Pressure ulcers (ulcerative changes in the skin), joint contracture (long-term restrictions on movement), and muscle hypotrophy (thinning of muscle fibers) are possible. When placing a patient, the nurse should give him functional positions that contribute to the physiological location of the whole body, reduce the risk of potential complications associated with prolonged immobility. Applying the basic rules of biomechanics, a nurse will help the patient avoid various injuries of the spine or the development of additional diseases.
Phased movement of a lying patient
First, the nurse must evaluate the following factors: patient mobility, his muscle strength, reaction to what he heard. Next, you need to raise the bed so that working with the patient becomes as convenient as possible for both sides. You should also remove all unnecessary items (pillows, blankets) that could interfere with movement. If necessary, you must call for help from a nurse, another nurse or doctor. Before starting work with the patient, it is necessary to explain to him the meaning of the forthcoming procedure to calm the person and cooperation on his part. Beds need to give a horizontal position and fix it. To reduce the risk of infection, the nurse works with gloves on. Biomechanics of the body must be observed, so the nurse must check the correct location of the patient's body. The back of the patient should be in a straight position. All possible curvature or stress are excluded. Also, the nurse needs to find out whether the patient is comfortable in his position.
The Importance of Biomechanics
To keep the body upright, one must not lose balance. This will help to avoid risk factors such as a fall, injury or excessive stress 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 a person and the area of support. In different positions, the center of gravity changes accordingly. Knowledge of such a subject as the biomechanics of the human body will help to effectively satisfy the need for movement, avoiding falls and injuries.