Fowler's position

What is Fowler's position?

In medicine, Fowler's position is a standard position where the patient is seated in a semi-upright position at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees, with legs either bent or straight.

The origin of the term

Also called "Standard Fowler's", to differentiate from the Semi-Fowler's position, this sitting position was named for surgical pioneer George Ryerson Fowler. It is often used to promote respiration and/or oxygenation, since the chest is expanded as the top of the bed is raised up.

Related Terms

• Semi-Fowler's position
• Sims position
• Decorticate
• Trendelenburg position
• Flexion