Session Aims
This session will look at discuss how practitioners can use efficient movement and postural principles when performing common handling actions – in particular PUSHING, PULLING and SUPPORTING loads (and when performing people handling tasks)
The session will also consider natural patterns of human movement and good body biomechanics; considering how the body ‘machine’ moves assisting us to understand how we can help the patient/client help themselves with the minimum of effort
.
Introduction – How is the body a machine?We can think of the human body as a machine
‘an apparatus using mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task’.
Of course just as a machine, we can utilise the body efficiently –or inefficiently, and also we can misuse it to the point of it becoming damaged or injured.
A machine is a tool containing one or more parts that uses energy to perform an intended action.
Machines are usually powered by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or electrical means, and are often motorized. A simple machine is a device that simply transforms the direction or magnitude of a force
.
Lets Consider Efficiency
‘Maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort (or expense)’
Well Organised
Planned
Productive
Effective etc. etc.
Features of the seat that will alter efficiency of movement:
•Height
•Arms
•Arm location
•Feet position
•Seat depth
•Ability to position feet
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position (of the handler and the person)
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping forces
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
The idea is that if WE move efficiently we can promote efficiency of movement
Encourage the handler to be aware of their own body and actions, and the consequences of their touch on the
person being assisted
If our intention is ‘to do’ our approach will be direct and we will negate to invite the person to be active,
touching them in such a way as to limit the persons mobility and hence function and potential toward
independence…….. Not to mention the inefficiency of not working together as a team
When part of the body is held in a position for extended periods of time without soft tissue being allowed to relax
Restricts blood flow to the muscles and tendons resulting in less opportunity for recovery and metabolic waste removal
- HSE 2002
What is Static Load?
If you hold a part of the body for longer than 3 – 4seconds in a certain position
A harmful static load is a posture held for 30 secondsor more
Static Load
Example of a standard for the maximum permissible time that static working positions are held
General Rules – Dont lean forward more than 30 degrees for more than 1 minDont work below hip level
Working Positions- Mathilde Meidema (1993)
0
2
4
6
8
10
75
/50
75
/25
10
0/5
0
50
/25
12
5/5
0
50
/50
10
0/2
5
10
0/1
00
75
/10
0
12
5/1
00
75
/75
50
/10
0
10
0/7
5
50
/75
25
/25
25
/50
15
0/5
0
25
/75
25
/10
0
75/50 75/25 100/50 50/25
125/50 50/50 100/25 100/100
75/100 125/100 75/75 50/100
100/75 50/75 25/25 25/50
150/50 25/75 25/100
Ma
xim
um
tim
e (
min
s)
Good positions Average positions Poor positions
Good – 2mins
Average – 1min
Poor – Avoid
Stable stance and dynamic balance
Relationship of stance and distance of load from the spine (line of gravity)
Ensure a good hold
Economical expenditure of energy
Comfort and ease of movement
L23 Principles of Safe Handling (Delphi Exercise)
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping force
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
Hand and Foot Position
Hands should be placed in a position and in such a way so as to stimulate muscle activity and hence facilitate movement
Foot Position should allow easy dynamic balance without the need for rotation. The foot position will indicate the TYPE of force to be exerted. May also indicate a direction of movement for the person being assisted
i.e. push and pull = step stance
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping force
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact enables effective communication
Contact allowing the other person space to move
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping force
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
Direction of the force to be exerted
Face towards the direction of movement (or directly away if pulling) – Do not pull and Push ACROSS your body
Standards for Pushing and Pulling
Pushing norms (Mital, 1993)
Occasional pushing Men 16kg/1 hand 32kg/2hands
Women 11kg/1hand 22kg/2hands
Frequent pushing Men 11kg/1hand 22kg/2hands
Women 7.5kg/1hand 15kg/2hands
Pulling norms (Mital, 1993)
Occasional pulling of loads
Men 15kg/1 hand 30kg/2hands
Women 10kg/1hand 20kg/2hands
Frequent pulling of loads
Men 10kg/1hand 20kg/2hands
Women 7kg/1hand 14kg/2hands
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping forces
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
When it comes to assisted transfers......
Let the person initiate the movement to reduce the effort of the caregiver by 50% !!!
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping force
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement
Normal movement
In all the possible variations in movement certain common denominators can be found
There is a base pattern which we utilise to perform common tasks
Principles of ‘normal movement’ are foundation on which ‘assisted transfers’ should be based. Utilising ‘abnormal’ movement will decrease ease, comfort and efficiency of the transfer
Effective transfers mean moving normally together!
If we want efficient movement when related to manual handling of people then we have to consider aspects such
as:Hand and foot position
Relationship of our body to the person and direction of movement
Contact with the person
Direction of the force exerted
Speed of initial and stopping force
Use of body weight
Understanding of normal ‘patterns’ of movement
For moving of people....................SOFT HUMAN factors also play a part
Lets Consider Efficient Movement