How often do you stand on one leg? Well, scholars say it could be a new way to take your metaphorical temperature. A new study claims that a person’s risk of mortality is greatly increased if they can’t stay standing on one leg for 10 seconds. Doubtful as the link may seem, doctors agree it’s a reasonable prognostic. Standing on one leg requires a wide range of physical capacities, making it a simple indicator of general fitness. But if 10 seconds is a bit tough right now, not to worry. You can practice by holding the wall to start with, and gradually work your way up.
In a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, participants aged 51-75 were asked to stand on one leg for 10 seconds. In total, 1,354 people completed the task, while 348 could not. The researchers then looked at the mortality rates of both groups after seven years. The mortality rate of those who could stand on one leg was 4.6%, but it was 17.5% for those who could not – a percentage more than four times as large.
Many people we spoke to were unconvinced of a strong link between standing on one leg and mortality. But physiotherapist Chen Hsiao-chien says it makes sense - and age needn’t be a factor. He says you can be aging and healthy, but you’re in bad shape if you spend all day sedentary, relying on your family to bring you meals, and losing muscle stamina and cardiovascular functions – no matter how old you are.
Doctors say that your health is in decline if you can’t stand on one leg for 10 seconds – even in older age.
Lin Yung-zen
Grassroots Medical Association
It may well reveal that the person has some chronic disease, such as diabetes. Of course, then the mortality rate after seven years would be higher than someone who can stand on one leg for 10 seconds.
Han Cheng-chih
Fitness coach
It needs your muscle strength, stamina and coordination. Hold the wall, and then gradually extend the length of time.
This fitness coach says that you can develop the skill using assistive props like a wall. Then gradually work your way up to 10 seconds. However long you can hold it to start with, why not give it a try, and challenge yourself to practice every day.
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