Effects of Crossing Legs on Blood Pressure Measurement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if blood pressure measurement is affected by the leg crossed at the knee as compared with feet flat on the floor in a well-senior population. Participants (N = 110) either had their blood pressure measured with feet flat first and then crossed or the reverse of this. Results indicate that blood pressure was significantly higher when legs were crossed versus uncrossed. Systolic pressure changed by 5.9 mmHg, from 127.32 to 133.24, whereas diastolic pressure changed by 2.97, from 72.54 to 75.52. There were no significant differences between those who had their blood pressure measured first with their legs crossed versus uncrossed or between those with and without hypertension. Instructing patients to keep feet flat on the floor during blood pressure measurement is an important nursing intervention that can contribute to the accurate measrement, interpretation, and treatment of a patient's health condition.

The effect of different body positions on blood pressure

“…2005), there was no statistical difference between those with crossed and uncrossed legs in this study. Similar observation has been made in some other studies (Avvampato 2001, Keele‐Smith & Price‐Daniel 2001).…”

The effect of crossing legs on blood pressure in hypertensive patients

“…There have been only seven publications investigating the effect of crossing leg on BP (Foster‐Fitzpatrick et al 1999, Peters et al 1999, Avvampato 2001, Keele‐Smith and Price‐Daniel 2001, Pinar et al 2004, Adiyaman et al 2007, Van Groningen et al 2008). All of them, except one (Avvampato 2001), showed a BP rise when crossing the legs; however, a broad range of BP rise was present.…”

“…In the same study, it was concluded that the cardiovascular risk class increased for many patients with hypertension but less for participants with normotension. Keele‐Smith and Price‐Daniel (2001) indicated that BP was significantly higher when legs were crossed vs. uncrossed among 110 participants in a senior population. In a previous study (Pinar et al.…”

Sources of automatic office blood pressure measurement error: a systematic review

“…The results of eight studies showed that crossed legs had an impact on measured BP (Foster-Fitzpatrick et al 1999, Peters et al 1999, Avvampato 2001, Keele-Smith and Price-Daniel 2001, Pinar et al 2004, Adiyaman et al 2007, van Groningen et al 2008, van Velthoven et al 2014. In addition to one study (Avvampato 2001), the results of the other seven studies all showed that the readings of SBP and DBP with crossed legs have significantly increased BPs.…”