Posture and Body Mechanics of Riding a Bike

    Three Images of People Doing Everyday Activities:

Pinal is eating on the floor while studying

   

Allison is studying at a desk

Matthew is riding a bike

 

Image Three Analysis:

        When biking, the body is in dynamic posture because it is in motion. The pelvis is posteriorly tilted, the cervical vertebrae are in extension, the thoracic vertebrae are in slight kyphosis, and the lumbar vertebrae are in slight flexion. Both femurs are in hip flexion, the scapula's are protracted, and the head is forward. This position is more efficient for mobility than stability because of the body being in motion. This makes it more difficult for the body to change out of this position. The base of support is large as it encompasses his hands on the handlebars, his bottom on the seat, his feet on the pedals, and the wheels on the ground. The upper extremities are being used for support of the upper body as the trunk is leaning. This places additional force on the shoulder and elbows as they are being used for support, as well as the hips as they are being used to stabilize the body on the seat. This position can be maintained for miles when riding a bike, but doesn't mean they should maintain that position the whole time. A person might shift to relieve pressure on the shoulders, elbows, or hips, every mile just for a few seconds of pressure relief. 

Two Reasons Why it is Important to Teach Proper Posture and Body Mechanics:

1. Constantly using poor posture can cause abnormal development, progressive degeneration, or contracture of bone, muscles, tendons, or other soft-tissue. 
2. Using poor body mechanics can cause lower back injuries when improperly lifting objects. 

Two Examples of Teaching Proper Posture and Body Mechanics to a Client:

1. The client and I are doing the occupation of cooking and they do not need to have so much pressure on their knees. I would grab a stool and have them rest one leg at a time for a few minutes. This intervention allows them to relieve the pressure off of their hip, knee, and ankle joint to allow them to stand for a longer period of time. 
2. The client is having trouble with the occupation of sleeping. I would show them how and where to position pillows to keep the body in alignment. Positioning pillows under the knees, so they are in slight flexion, when laying on their back relieves pressure on the muscles and bones.