Standing Balance Test
This is a simple balance test that can be modified to suit your situation. In this test the person stands on one leg for as long as possible. See also the flamingo and stork balance tests, which also assess balancing on one leg.
purpose: to measure whole body balance
equipment required: flat, non-slip surface, stopwatch, recording sheet.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The aim of the test is for the participant to stand on one leg
for as long as possible. Give the subject a minute to practice their balancing before starting the test. When ready, they lift one foot off the ground, and the timing starts. The timing stops when the elevated foot touches the ground or the person hops or otherwise loses their balance position. The best of three attempts is recorded. Repeat the test on the opposite leg.
scoring: time the total length of time person can stay in the balance position.
variations / modifications: to increase the degree of difficulty, the test can be conducted with the person having their arms either by their sides, across their chest, held out horizontally, or on their head. You could make the subject stand on their toes or not. You could also conduct the test with their eyes closed for each of these variations too.
Similar Tests
- Stork Balance Test — stand on the toes of one leg for as long as possible with the free leg resting on the inside of the opposite knee
- One Leg Stand — the US sobriety test, stand with one foot off the ground for 30 seconds
- Flamingo Balance Test — stand on one leg while balancing on a beam.
- Stick Lengthwise Test — balance on a stick for as long as possible, standing side-on on the balls of both feet.
Related Pages
- Other balance tests
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