Gowers' sign
Pronunciation: GOW-ers sign
A characteristic maneuver where patients use their hands to 'climb up' their legs when rising from floor to standing, indicating proximal muscle weakness.
Full Definition
Gowers' sign is a classic clinical maneuver observed in patients with significant proximal muscle weakness, particularly affecting the hip and thigh muscles. When attempting to rise from a seated position on the floor, the patient places their hands on their thighs and progressively 'walks' them up their legs to achieve standing position, compensating for weakness in the hip extensors and quadriceps. This sign is most commonly associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in children but can occur in any condition causing severe proximal lower limb weakness. The presence and degree of Gowers' sign should be documented as it reflects functional impairment severity.
Usage
Usage note: Document as positive or negative. Note if patient cannot perform the maneuver at all due to severe weakness.
In Context
- "A positive Gowers' sign was demonstrated, with the 8-year-old patient requiring hand support on his thighs to achieve standing." — Pediatric neurology examination
- "The patient exhibited a classic Gowers' sign, confirming significant proximal lower extremity weakness." — Muscular dystrophy assessment