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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Doppler Ultrasound-Based Leg Blood Flow Assessment During Single-Leg Knee-Extensor Exercise in an Uncontrolled Setting
Published on: December 15, 2023
The effect of crossing legs on blood pressure in hypertensive patients
Rukiye Pinar1, Siddika Ataalkin, Roger Watson
1Department of Nursing and Health Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey. rukiyepinar@yahoo.com
Aims:
The aim of this study was to examine whether there is any difference between BP readings with patients crossing a leg at the knee level and uncrossing during BP measurement.
Background:
It is clear that numerous factors influence an individual's blood pressure (BP) measurement. However, guidelines for accurately measuring BP inconsistently specify that the patient should keep feet flat on the floor.
Design:
Repeated measures.
Method:
Using a mercury-filled column sphygmomanometer, BP was measured at uncrossed leg position, crossed leg position and again at uncrossed leg position in 283 unmedicated or medicated patients. Three experienced nurses specially trained for the study performed BP measurements.
Results:
The results indicated that BP increased significantly with the crossed leg position. Systolic and diastolic BP significantly increased approximately 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively.
Conclusion:
Crossing the leg at knee results in a significant increase in BP.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Leg position during measurement of BP should be standardised and mentioned in publications.
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Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
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Preparation:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
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Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
