A simple, 10-second test creates a great divide between two distinct health trajectories, according to a leading cardiologist. On one side are those who can stand on one leg, with a high probability of a long and healthy life. On the other are those who cannot, facing a statistically higher risk of mortality.
This divide was starkly illustrated in a major 2022 study that followed 1,700 adults for a decade. The research used the 10-second one-leg stand as a dividing line and tracked the outcomes of the two groups. The differences were significant.
The study found that the group who could perform the test had an over 90% chance of surviving the next seven years without disability. This placed them on a much more favorable health trajectory than their less-stable counterparts.
The heart specialist explains why this single test is such a powerful differentiator. It’s because the ability to balance is a non-negotiable marker of integrated health. It requires multiple body systems—neurological, sensory, and muscular—to work in perfect harmony. A failure indicates a breakdown in this vital cooperation.
The good news is that you can choose your trajectory. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the divide, you can take action to cross over. The expert recommends incorporating balance-focused training, such as yoga and Tai Chi, to improve your stability and set yourself on the path to a longer, healthier life.