Single-leg balance

Time held on a single leg, eyes open, arms relaxed, before having to put the lifted foot down or grab support. Best of three trials. Captures lower-body strength, proprioception, vestibular function, and visual integration.

Balance integrates multiple systems and is acutely sensitive to age-related decline. Araujo 2022 (Br J Sports Med, n=1,702 adults aged 51–75) showed that inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% increased risk of all-cause death over 7 years.

This is a self-test — no equipment needed. A timer or tape measure is usually enough. Your GP can confirm the protocol if you want validation.

Eyes-closed variant is much more difficult and not standardised across cohorts. Use eyes-open for trend tracking.

Acute inner-ear conditions, lower-limb pain, or medication-induced dizziness substantially affect single readings.

• If unable to hold 10 seconds, whether balance training and falls-risk evaluation are warranted.
• Whether vestibular or visual contributors should be investigated.

1. [1]Araujo et al., Br J Sports Med — Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals(2022)
2. [2]CDC STEADI — Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries(2023)
3. [3]Springer et al., Normative values for the unipedal stance test(2007)