The laws of mechanical movements in living systems are studied by science called body biomechanics. It explores complex integral systems to which a person belongs. Every human movement is subject to the universal laws of physics. But biomechanics is a more complex science than mechanics, which studies 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, as well as the nervous system.
Biomechanics and medicine
Biomechanics of the body in medicine deals with the study of such important systems as the musculoskeletal, nervous, and vestibular apparatus. They maintain a person's balance, provide the most physiological position of the body in different states, such as rest, walking, lifting weights, tilting, sitting, standing, lying position. Moreover, this science studies the coordination of human efforts during the performance of ordinary life functions. Good body mechanics in practice means the correct position of the human body throughout the day. Importantalways remember about the correct biomechanics, and not only during the occurrence of any pain, then he alth problems will be significantly reduced.
The connection between biomechanics and ergonomics
In medicine, a special place is occupied by the biomechanics of the body. Ergonomics also plays an important role in he althcare. This science is engaged in the study of 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, the work organization, training, as well as the person who directly works. All parameters must be relevant and monitored. Work is considered ergonomically performed when all of the above factors are evaluated, the degree of risk is determined and reduced in such a way that the performance 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, efficient and safe as possible.
Why does a he alth worker need knowledge of body biomechanics?
At all hospitals, employees tend to critically ill patients from time to time. This work often leads to the fact that some negative factors affect the body. Basically, he alth workers are affected by heavy physical exertion that is associated with the transportation of patients. If during the transfer of the patient the employeehospital treats him not according to the rules, this can lead to spinal injuries or back pain. The correct biomechanics of the nurse's body will prevent the occurrence of various problems with the spine, both for the nurse herself and for the patient. To ensure the optimal position of the body, certain rules must be observed. Before you start moving the patient, you need to determine some important factors. The nurse must know:
- why the patient needs to be moved;
- what state of he alth is he currently in;
- are there mechanical aids to move;
- 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 must be in a safe and comfortable position. Hospital staff need to assume a position that balances the patient's weight and direction of movement. Using your own body weight will help relieve tension. Workers must ensure that their legs are in a stable position before lifting. 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 task.work, namely, to hold the hips and torso of the patient. If the lifting of the patient is carried out without auxiliary means, then all employees must firmly hold hands. In this case, it is better to hold on to the wrist of a colleague than to his fingers, then the hands will not disengage, even if they are wet.
How to lift weights?
Before you lift a heavy load, you need to properly position your feet. They should be at a distance of thirty centimeters from each other. In this case, one foot should be slightly pushed forward. This position of the legs allows you to achieve good footing and reduce the risk of losing balance or falling. The biomechanics of the nurse's body when lifting the 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 lifting process requires the utmost care on the part of the he alth worker. When lifting the patient, the nurse needs to press him to her. In addition, during this process, only the knees are bent, and the torso is kept 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 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 the sitting position. The knees should be slightly above the level of the hips. The back must be straightened, and the abdominal muscles must be tightened. AtIn this case, the shoulders should be straightened and positioned symmetrically to the hips. If you need to turn, then you need to use the entire body, and not just the chest and shoulders. A nurse, in view of her work, often has to sit and turn around in a chair. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to choose the right office chair. To do this, you need to lean against the back of a chair. Two-thirds of the length of the person's hips should be located on the seat. If the height and depth of the workplace are chosen incorrectly, then the person will experience tension when touching the floor with his feet. If the chair is not suitable for the worker, it must be replaced or a variety of devices such as pillows or footrests should be used.
Biomechanics in standing position
Proper body biomechanics in the 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. Feet should be shoulder width apart. The body must be held vertically, straining the muscles of the press and buttocks. You can’t tilt your head, 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 first the feet should be turned, and only then the whole body. In no case should you start to turn around from the waist.
Three types of patient position
The biomechanics of the patient's body depends on the position thathe occupies regarding the bed. The position of the patient is considered active when he can move independently and easily, serve himself and take any comfortable position. This condition is typical for a person with a mild course of the disease. In the passive position, the patient is unable to actively move. The cause of this condition may be depressed consciousness, poisoning, weakness, etc. Thus, the patient requires the help of medical staff, since he cannot always move independently. A person takes a forced position when he wants to alleviate a difficult condition. For example, get rid of a cough, reduce shortness of breath or pain. This position of the patient is typical for acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, pleurisy or suffocation. First, the nurse must determine exactly what position the patient occupies relative to his bed, and only then apply the appropriate rules of biomechanics.
Patient immobilized - what to 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 must be constantly monitored by staff. The nurse must know that the patient is not able to change position on his own and requires assistance from the staff. People in whom the disease takes such a severe form are at risk of getting disturbances in the work of many organs, systems, and musculoskeletal functions. Pressure sores (ulcerative changes in the skin), joint contractures (long-term restrictions in movement), as well as muscle wasting (thinning of themuscle fibers). When placing the patient, the nurse should give him functional positions that contribute to the physiological position of the whole body, reduce the risk of potential complications associated with prolonged immobility. By applying the basic rules of biomechanics, the nurse will help the patient avoid various spinal injuries or the development of additional diseases.
Step-by-step repositioning of a bedridden patient
First, the nurse should assess the following factors: the patient's 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 parties. You should also remove all unnecessary items (pillows, blankets) that may interfere with the movement. If necessary, call a nurse, other nurse or doctor for help. Before starting work with the patient, it is necessary to explain to him the meaning of the upcoming procedure to calm the person and cooperate on his part. The bed must be given a horizontal position and fixed. To reduce the risk of infection, the nurse wears gloves. The biomechanics of the body must be observed, so the nurse is obliged to check the correct position of the patient's body. The patient's back should be in a straight position. Any distortion or tension is excluded. Also, the nurse needs to find out if the patient is comfortable in his position.
Importance of biomechanics
To keep your body upright, you need to keep your balance. This ishelp to avoid risk factors such as falls, 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 \u200b\u200bsupport. 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.
