State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Prep for Exam Success!

Maintaining a low center of gravity is crucial for effective lifting techniques because it enhances stability and balance. When the center of gravity is low, the body is less likely to topple or become unbalanced during a lift. This is particularly important when lifting heavy objects or assisting patients, as it reduces the risk of injury to both the individual lifting and the person being lifted. By keeping the body low to the ground, the muscles can work more efficiently, transferring force directly upward and minimizing strain on the back.

Other techniques, like keeping arms straight, keeping feet close together, or lifting quickly, may not provide the same level of support and safety. For example, straight arms could lead to strain on the back and shoulders, and having feet close together may cause a loss of balance. Lifting quickly can result in a sudden load on muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury rather than mitigating it. Therefore, maintaining a low center of gravity is the most effective lifting technique to ensure safety and efficiency.