A new study out of Brazil shows that being able to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds is linked to having a lower risk of death over the next seven years. Researchers have found that people who were middle-aged or older who could not perform the 10-second standing test were almost four times as likely to die of any cause in the coming years.
While it has been known that falls are a major cause of injury and death worldwide, this new study has shed light on falls not being the only problem of having poor balance. Improving nonaerobic fitness (balance, flexibility, and muscle strength) can help mitigate not only falls, but also help those who have a more sedentary lifestyle to build more strength and be able to do more physical activity and exercise, lowering the risk overall of many diseases which could lead to death.
You can read the full study in the article on WebMD’s website here: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20220621/standing-on-one-leg-mortality-study
For more information on additional studies done on this subject, visit Science Focus’ website: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/dr-michael-mosley-standing-on-one-leg/
To learn about exercises than can help improve your balance, visit the NHS’s website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-and-flexibility-exercises/balance-exercises/
