Balance Problem? Test Your Own Balance!
4 Simple Tests to Find Out
Balance means different things to different people. Test your own balance today!
To a 5-year old, balance means learning to ride a bike without training wheels.
For an adult, balance means successfully catching yourself, as you’re carrying an armload of groceries, after tripping over the bike that the 5-year old left laying in the driveway.
As an older adult, balance can be as simple as staying upright as you walk or regaining your footing without falling if you stumble.
Good balance is extremely important for an older person in maintaining their independence, a common fear expressed by our elderly patients.
Falling and breaking a bone, especially in the hip, knee, foot, or ankle, often leads to the loss of independence and in some cases, even death.
Fortunately, early attention to the problem can help you maintain good balance throughout your life. Testing your own balance will tell you if you need help!
Balance Can Be Complex! Test your balance below!
Once you hit your 40s, maintaining balance can get a bit tricky. But don’t worry! Adding balance training to your workout routine is crucial for overall well-being.
Balancing exercises are just as essential as cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts. They all work together to enhance your stability and reaction to challenges.
Your balance can be affected by various factors like medications, inner ear problems, vision issues, and blood pressure. But fear not! Physical therapy focuses on muscles, bones, joints, and nerves, promoting excellent balance.
Check out below this easy balance test you can perform at home to test your own balance and sign up for 3 others that we use in our physical therapy clinics!
Below are 4 simple balance tests you can do at home to test your own balance.
If you experience any trouble while performing these tests, please visit your physical therapist for a more comprehensive evaluation and see your doctor for a full check up.
Part 1 - 1-Leg Standing Balance Test
This is pretty self explanatory. Stand on 1 leg without holding onto anything. Normal balance is one minute, less than 30 seconds will need some work.
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