Gowers sign indicates weakness of which muscle group?

Gowers sign indicates weakness of which muscle group?

• A. Distal hand muscles
• B. Proximal leg (hip girdle) muscles
• C. Facial muscles
• D. Pharyngeal muscles

Answer: (B)

Gowers sign reflects weakness of proximal muscles, specifically the hip girdle and thigh extensors. When someone with proximal weakness lies on their back and tries to stand, they can’t rise by extending the hips and knees alone. Instead they press up with their hands on the thighs and push themselves to a standing position, effectively “climbing” up the legs. This compensatory move points to weakness in the proximal muscle groups rather than the distal hand muscles, facial muscles, or pharyngeal muscles. It’s classically seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other proximal myopathies.

Gowers sign reflects weakness of proximal muscles, specifically the hip girdle and thigh extensors. When someone with proximal weakness lies on their back and tries to stand, they can’t rise by extending the hips and knees alone. Instead they press up with their hands on the thighs and push themselves to a standing position, effectively “climbing” up the legs. This compensatory move points to weakness in the proximal muscle groups rather than the distal hand muscles, facial muscles, or pharyngeal muscles. It’s classically seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other proximal myopathies.