The Four Principles of Body Mechanics When Changing a Bed

People who work in health care facilities or hotels frequently change bed linens -- a task that can cause injury to the back or shoulders from repeated bending and reaching. These motions put strain on the muscles that surround the spine and shoulders as they attempt to keep the joints stable in these extreme positions. Using proper body mechanics makes this task more efficient and less damaging to the muscles.

Setup

• The setup of the environment has a significant impact on the biomechanics used for specific tasks. The environment is a particularly important factor in the health care setting, where the beds are adjustable. Raising the height of an adjustable bed to waist height will significantly reduce the amount of bending required. In all environments, try to position the bed so that both sides are accessible, to reduce the reaching distance required.

Back Protection

• Injury oftens occurs with tasks that require bending over; awkward postures combined with torque place the spine in a vulnerable position. It is important to limit the amount of bending during bed-making tasks and to keep the spine in a neutral -- straight -- position when bending does occur. Proper setup of the room will significantly reduce strain on the back. When bending forward is required, use a "golfer's lift": Bring one leg straight out behind you as you lean forward. This will keep the spine in a straight position while you bend.

Shoulder Protection

• Bed-making places strain on the shoulder joints with tasks such as lifting blankets and sheets, pulling them off the bed and reaching across the bed to spread the sheets out. Bring bedding as close to your body as possible on the bed before you lift. The force on your shoulders is significantly less in this position than it is with your arms outstretched. Remove bedding in layers rather than all at once, to reduce its weight. Rather than reaching across the bed, walk around to each side as you straighten the sheets and blankets and tuck in the corners. If both sides of the bed are not accessible, climb onto the bed to reach the other side.

Eliminate Ballistic Movements

• Ballistic, or high-velocity, movements place significant strain on muscles and ligaments. These quick movements are used during bed-making activities such as fanning a sheet out by quickly flipping it into the air and shaking pillows into pillowcases. Break these tasks down into smaller, controlled movements to reduce the force required to accomplish them.