After stroke, crossed legs a welcome sign

The sooner people can cross their legs after having a stroke, the better their chances for recovery, new research published in the journal Neurology suggests. This complicated movement, occurring within two weeks of a stroke, is a good sign that the brain is processing again, researchers said.
Using leg crossing to assess patients would be simple for clinicians, much simpler than standard tests to gauge disability, said the study authors.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops because of a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Several scales have been developed to predict recovery, but these usually are administered by trained professionals and may only provide information up to three months' post-stroke.
The leg crossers had less neurological impairment and were able to walk independently. The non-leg crossers were severely disabled and required constant attention, the study reported.