Body Mechanics Principles

KEY PRINCIPLES OF BODY MECHANICS AND TRANSFERS
Lisa Taipalus PT Regional Stroke Best Practice Consultant Northeastern Ontario Stroke Network www.neostrokestrategy.com

OUTLINE
Provide you with some tools and options to use with your stroke survivors Review principles of body mechanics Review good practices for transfers Positioning the stroke survivor Bed Mobility Repositioning Transfers Opportunity to problem solve some issues you may have

BIOMECHANICS
Body movements and the forces that act on the musculoskeletal system Good body mechanics helps to keep your body in good alignment during activities to reduce the stresses and strains you are subject to. Avoid awkward postures.

KEY PRINCIPLES

Good posture
Spine is not straight
Personalized approach Unique set of problems
Impaired cognition Impaired communication Impaired mobility

Use problem solving approach Interact with the stroke survivor/team/family Recognize that the stroke survivors energy levels can change throughout the day

POSITIONING
Goals of positioning are: Support the affected limbs Manage and prevent pain Support muscles and prevent spasms Maintain skin integrity Increase awareness of the affected side Promote body symmetry and alignment Comfort Prevent joint and muscle stiffness

LYING ON THE
To reduce pressure on the heels the knees can be bent and supported with a folded pillow but only for a short time so as to not encourage knee flexion stiffness. Caution: ensure that pillows or towels are not cutting off circulation or increasing pressure on the skin

LYING ON THE AFFECTED SIDE
Head – neutral position Shoulder – draw the shoulder complex out by gently bringing the shoulder blade slightly forward. Support the arm on a pillow with the elbow bent and resting away from the body or with the arm out straight Leg – both knees bent with the bottom leg slightly forward, pillow between knees Back – pillow lengthwise behind back

LYING ON THE UNAFFECTED SIDE
Head – neutral position Shoulder – bottom shoulder slightly forward, the top supported on 2 pillows to keep the arm from dropping down and pulling on the shoulder, elevate the hand as needed with fingers spread Leg – the bottom leg straight, the top leg bent and supported on a pillow slightly forward Back – pillow tucked in lengthwise behind back.

BED