To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
I am annoyed with this obsession with balancing on one leg.
It is a false narrative.
God gave me 2 legs for balance, so why the ibsession with balancing on one leg?
I await your response.
A recent article on balance published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine has gained attention in the media for citing evidence that the capacity for older adults (age 50+) to balance on one leg for at least ten seconds can be a predictor for longevity. However, there are many other risk factors as well as adaptive elements in play. I share your annoyance with singling out the capacity to balance on one leg for extended periods of time as a primary predictor for longevity. During my 20+ years working in fall prevention, I have seen many examples of the numerous and marvelous ways that a person can adapt to limitations in movement.
One of the key elements for balance control and lowering the risk of falling is maintaining sufficient strength in the hips and legs. Balance control and walking (gait) are both tied to the ability to shift the weight from leg to the other. In order to take a normal step without dragging the foot on the ground, a person must be able to hold balance on one leg long enough allow the stepping leg to swing forward (or back). Stepping over an object increases the amount of time one must balance on one leg. There are numerous ways to safely increase strength in both legs without incurring the risk of holding a free-standing balance on one leg.
I have many students who will never be able to balance on one leg for ten seconds, but that insufficiency does not automatically condemn them to a shorter and lower quality of life. Some of my students must shuffle when they walk. They are stuck with it, but it is not a death sentence. Assistive devices, awareness, a personal sense of risk assessment, lifestyle, mental outlook, concentration, physical activity; are all parts of the equation.
Statistics are useful. Sometimes they can serve as motivation, but statistics can also induce unnecessary bias and fear. One of the highest risk factors for falling is the presence of a strong fear of falling.
May you keep both of your God-given legs as strong as possible for as long as possible – keep moving!
Dan, great comments and website. I saw the New York Times article today mentioning you. I am also about to send you an email note.
Dan,
I stumbled across tour website in a NYTimes on 10 Second Balance Test. (I passed! Yay). I just completed my first-ever Tai Chi exercise, your “Break Time: Restorative Tai Chi for Body and Brain”. Thank you so much for this great introduction, I am excited about more endeavors, as I feel just this first time was *very* restorative. Again, my thanks to you.
Susan
Glad it helped!