Biomechanics & Controversial Techniques
Biomechanics & Controversial Techniques
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Biomechanics
How forces are exerted by the muscles and how gravity impacts on the skeletal system.
Centre of Gravity
Centre of Gravity
The point at which the entire weight of a body is concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position.
A person of usual weight proportions, in the standing position, the centre of gravity lies roughly within the pelvis.
Pelvis is paramount for standing, walking and sitting.
To assist a client with reduced mobility place one hand on the pelvis or hip area to initiate movement while maintaining good contact across the client’s back.
An overweight client will have centre of gravity lower and further forward in the body.
Best Practice
Best Practice
Standing from a sitting position
Standing from a sitting position
Move pelvis forward in the chair and move head over the pelvis to bring centre of gravity forward
Moving in bed
Moving in bed
When client lying flat in bed, move the client onto their side by rolling the pelvis
Kneeling
Kneeling
When moving seated clients, care worker should kneel on one knee to lower the centre of gravity and optimise stability
Line of gravity
Line of gravity
To optimise stability; keep shoulders aligned with pelvis (centre of gravity) have feet slightly apart, one foot in front of the other and knees slightly bent
Leaning forward
Leaning forward
Avoid lifting while leaning forward as outwith line of gravity as causes instability and puts strain in muscles and tendons
Keep load close to body
Keep load close to body
To prevent stress on muscles and tendons, keep arms as short as possible and load as close to body as possible to keep alignment with line of gravity
Controversial techniques
Controversial techniques
These Controversial techniques are considered dangerous and unsafe and have been banned.
• Drag lift (in all its forms)
• Bear hug transfer
• Top and tail lift
• Australian lift
• Pivot turn
• Pulling on a frame
• Pulling on hands
The Drag Lift
The Drag Lift
The Front Assisted Lift
Through-arm Lift
Arm and Leg ‘Lug’/Hammock Transfer
The Bear Hug/Pivot Transfer (Arms around carer’s neck)
The Orthodox Lift
The Australian Lift/Shoulder Lif
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