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Second Balance Test May Reveal a Surprising Clue About Your Health
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that adults unable to stand on one leg for 10 seconds had an 84% higher adjusted risk of death over a median follow-up of seven years.
- The test, conducted on 1,702 adults aged 51 to 75, offers quick insight into static balance and potential mortality risk but does not predict exact timing of death or guarantee longevity if passed.
- Balance relies on muscle strength, vision, sensory feedback, and inner ear function, so difficulty with the test may indicate underlying health limitations not obvious in daily activities.
- Researchers recommend practicing balance exercises such as single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and tai chi, starting with support and progressing safely to unsupported holds to improve stability.
- The 10-second balance test provides valuable feedback for patients and health professionals about overall health status in middle-aged and older adults.
