Crossing legs after a stroke signals recovery

People who are able to cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to recover than those who can't.

"Despite having severe strokes that left them with slight loss of movement, we noticed that some people were still able to cross their legs, which is not as easy as it seems," said study author Berend Feddersen.

"If this finding is confirmed, leg crossing may be an easy way to help doctors determine who may have a better chance of recovery," added Feddersen of the University of Munich, Germany, the journal Neurology reports.

People who were able to cross their legs within the first 15 days after a severe stroke were more likely to have fewer neurological problems and lower death rates, according to a Munich statement.

The study involved 68 people who had experienced a severe stroke who required intensive care, including ventilation or need of circulatory support.

Two groups of 34 were formed; one group with leg-crossers and one with non-leg-crossers. Participants were followed for one year and were tested using several scales to measure disability and independence.

After one year, the study found that one person, or nine percent, died among those who were able to cross their legs after stroke compared to 18 people, or 53 per cent, who died among those who couldn't cross their legs.