British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021

A simple and safe balance test could be included in routine health checks for older adults, say researchers who found that the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life is linked to a near doubling in the risk of death from any cause within the next 10 years. This is one of the reasons why we include the single-leg stance test in our Moovment Scan protocol. Automatically measuring the sway area and the sway velocity in milliseconds and millimeters using our 3D technology is the best way to get concrete answers about balance performance. We also include balance exercises in the exercise video library available in the Moovment Pro Portal.

The researchers recognised that unlike aerobic fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, balance assessment isn’t routinely included in health checks of middle-aged and older men and women. Considering that falls affect 30% of the population above the age of 65 yro, with hip fractures that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, and many people dying from the injuries, it is quite surprising that balance is not tested more often.

Alarmingly, the study revealed that an inability to stand unsupported on one leg for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% heightened risk of death from any cause within the next decade. This is not surprising in light of the fact that poor balance causes immobility, which in turn deprives people of their autonomy. The study showed that those who failed the test had poorer health, including:

• Obesity

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Unhealthy blood fat profiles

• 3 x more Type 2 diabetes

The researchers concluded that a 10-second balance test “provides rapid and objective feedback for the patient and health professionals regarding static balance,” and that the test “adds useful information regarding mortality risk in middle-aged and older men and women.”

doi 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105360
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine

Scans of a working middle-aged man who had no pain but poor balance and a high risk of falling, not to mention the onset of future degenerative and disuse injuries. Frequently, people are not aware of their problems because they avoid using the affected limb, and don’t realise that it is not working as well as it should. When they are put into situations that demand balance or control, they are exposed to injury or an accident. Not to mention a poorer quality of life.

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