Single-leg balance test
How long you can stand on one leg - a simple signal of fall risk and how well you’re aging.
TypePerformance
HowStand on one leg, eyes open, arms at your sides, for up to 10–30 seconds.
How oftenYearly, or to track training.
BeforeStand near a wall or chair for safety.
WhoAnyone, especially 50+.
Falls are preventable
Balance quietly declines with age, and falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Simple tests catch the decline early - and balance improves with practice.
Stand on one leg
“How steady am I?”
Time how long you can hold it.
Static
Timed up and go
“How well do I move?”
Stand, walk, turn and sit - timed.
Moving
Train it
“Can I improve?”
Tai chi, strength and balance exercises reduce falls.
Action
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re 50+.
- You’ve felt unsteady.
- You’ve had a fall or near-fall in the past year.
A better option if…
- You’ve had falls - ask for a formal falls assessment.
How it’s measured
Timed single-leg stance
Eyes open; eyes closed for a harder version.
The full picture
What is it?
A timed test of standing on one leg.
What type of test is it?
A performance test.
What does it measure?
How long you can hold the position.
Why might someone consider it?
Poor balance predicts falls and is linked to health outcomes.
Who is it most relevant for?
Adults, especially 50+.
How is it performed?
Stand on one leg and time it.
How often might it be considered?
Yearly.
What can the result help you understand?
Your fall risk and balance fitness.
What are its limitations?
Footwear and joint problems affect results.
What should it be viewed with?
Gait speed, grip, vision and hearing.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Many can be done in a regular check-up.
Physical therapists
Common in physio and rehab clinics.
At home
Some can be done safely at home - follow the instructions below.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Should I do balance training?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Single-leg balance test result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Single-leg balance test result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test