Many believe that maintaining stability effortlessly on a single limb serves as an effective indicator of overall well-being.
In fact, studies have shown that individuals unable to accomplish this task for more than ten seconds may face a significantly higher risk of mortality within a decade.
However, currently, NHS researchers think they've identified the ideal duration for each age group to remain standing.
Maintaining balance on a single leg for over 40 seconds is considered a crucial indicator of strength and agility in individuals aged 18 to 39, according to their claims.
In comparison, individuals aged 70 to 79 ought to aim for 18 to 19 seconds.
The reason why balancing on one foot serves as an indicator of fitness level is due to It engages numerous parts of both the brain and body simultaneously.
This assessment evaluates balance and strength—once these two elements diminish, a person becomes increasingly fragile, leading to a higher risk of devastating fractures from falls.
According to the NHS During the testing process, individuals attempting to evaluate the system should strive to maintain balance on one leg while keeping their hands on their hips.
With their eyes wide open, the timer begins immediately after the foot loses contact with the ground.
The action ceases once the foot is lowered or when they remove their hands from their hips.
Individuals aged 18 to 39 are advised by the NHS to spend about 43 seconds brushing their teeth, whereas those aged 40 to 49 should aim for around 40 seconds.
For individuals aged between 50 and 59 years old, the duration is 37 seconds, and for those aged from 60 to 69 years old, it is 30 seconds.
By ages 70 to 79, this decreases to between 18 and 19 seconds. slightly more than five seconds if you're above 80 years old.
Selina Lim, Divisional Director for Integrated Pathways at the NHS East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, stated: "Research indicates that individuals having difficulty maintaining their balance for an adequate period are more likely to experience health issues as they grow older."
'Participating in the 'flamingo challenge' allows individuals to swiftly and simply determine their own level of risk.'
'If so, there are numerous varied activities they can participate in that will enhance their general fitness level.'
A 2022 observational study suggests that failing to maintain balance standing on one leg for ten seconds during middle to late adulthood correlates with an almost twofold increase in the likelihood of dying from any cause over the subsequent decade.
Writing in the British Medical Journal of Sports Medicine , researchers who conducted the study over a period of 12 years in Brazil , indicated the test offers quick and unbiased feedback for both patients and healthcare providers concerning static balance.
It also 'provides valuable data about mortality risks for middle-aged and older men and women'.
Studies have consistently indicated that, unlike aerobic fitness and muscular strength or flexibility, balance usually remains relatively stable until individuals reach their 60s—after which it starts to decline.
Nevertheless, equilibrium assessments are typically omitted from routine medical examinations for senior citizens due to the absence of a standardized method to gauge it.
There is scarce information about the connection between balance and overall health, aside from a higher chance of experiencing falls.
In 2019, the beloved TV diet consultant and Daily Mail columnist, who has passed away, Dr Michael Mosley advocated For improving balance on a single leg.
Mosley stated that if you can manage to keep your eyes closed for ten seconds, it indicates good health — irrespective of how old you are.
Last week, scientists from the Mayo Clinic based in the United States similarly uncovered The duration for which you can maintain your balance on a single foot reflects the strength of your bones, muscles, and nervous system. For every ten years of aging, an individual’s ability to stand on their non-dominant foot decreases by approximately 2.2 seconds.
Therefore, if a person aged 50 could maintain their balance for 15 seconds, then a person aged 60 would be able to do so for approximately 12.8 seconds.
For the predominant leg, the duration they could maintain their stance decreased by 1.7 seconds every ten years.
The researchers indicated that this test could be utilized in medical practices as a cost-effective, simple method for assessing bone strength and monitoring aging.
Read more