Walking and balancing is something that adults can do reasonably well until about our sixth decade of life. At that point, a variety of health issues can complicate our ability to maintain our balance. These complications, from joint injuries to problems like early stage dementia, not only affect our balance, but they can also give us an indication of our total body health. Researchers recently wondered if our ability to maintain balance on one foot could also act an an indicator of our likelihood of living longer, so they put it to the test.

One Footed Balance Test

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, involved 1,702 individuals between the ages of 51 to 75 and was carried out between 2008 and 2020. The volunteers underwent a physical examination before testing, which included testing for certain conditions like an abnormal gait or underlying health conditions like neurological disorders that impaired a subject’s balance, and these individuals were removed from the study.

For those who passed the physical exam, the task was simple. They were asked to stand on one leg, with the front of the foot of the elevated leg positioned against the lower part of the calf of the leg that remained on the ground. With their legs in position and arms by their side, subjects were then asked to hold this position for a period of 10 seconds.

Not surprisingly, test results fell in line with age. Here’s a look at the test failure rate by age group:

• 51-55: 5%
• 56-60: 8%
• 61-65: 17%
• 66-70: 36%
• 71-75: >50%

The post This One-Footed Test Can Help Predict Your Lifespan appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.