Not being able to stand on one leg for 10 seconds could indicate an increased risk of death in the next decade, according to a new study.
As we age, our flexibility and balance decrease. The balance is starting to become very tight in our early 50s and can quickly fall apart.
Balance problems increase the risk of falls, which when they occur is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. More than 37 million miscarriages are severe and require medical attention each year.
The balance test is not included in the annual tests, even in adults. This can be attributed to the lack of standardized tests and interpretation of the results, according to the researchers in today’s study.
However, they said if we could not stand on one leg for 10 seconds it could indicate a higher risk of death for all causes over the next 10 years.
“Weight should be included when checking for vital signs,” Anat Lubetzky, PT, Ph, CSCS, assistant professor of physiology at New York University, told Healthline. “It’s one of the many indicators of a person’s overall health.”
The recent study included 1,702 participants, ranging in age from 51 to 75, with an average age of 61. About two-thirds of the participants were men.
The researchers asked the participants to stand on one leg. The front of the free leg rests on the back of the lower leg opposite. Their hands are on their sides, and they are looking straight ahead.
Participants were allowed up to three attempts and allowed to use both legs.
About 20 percent of participants were unable to complete the task, with the number increasing with age:
After calculating age, gender, and underlying medical conditions, inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% risk of death for all causes of mediation over a 7-year period.
“It’s important to remember,” Lubetzky said, “that the study found a relationship, not a cause-and-effect relationship.”
“Normally, a 50-year-old should be able to balance one leg for about 40 seconds. A 60-year-old looks for 20 seconds and a 70-year-old looks for 10 seconds,” Lubetzky said. He added: “Weight loss is a multifaceted issue and there are many causes, such as neurological disorders, bone issues, vision, internal issues, stagnant lifestyle, reaction time, cognition, and other health problems. If it is difficult to balance one leg, you have to think about your general health and fitness. “
For those who failed, there was a high proportion of obese people, with heart disease, high blood pressure, or unhealthy blood fats. Type 2 diabetes was three times more common in this group.
Many factors can cause balance issues.
“Weight loss can be caused by spinal stenosis, pinching nerves, or radiculopathy,” Drs. Clifford Segil, neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. “Long-term alcohol use can also cause impaired balance due to atrophy in the cerebellum. The inner ear can also cause impaired balance due to dizziness, vertigo, or feeling the world is moving.
The recent study was only observational, so scientists have not clarified the cause and effect.
The researchers said that the balance test provides valuable feedback to patients and health professionals about the risk of death.
“While the study does not show a direct causal link, it does appear to suggest another possible tool that physicians can use to help patients with their overall health counseling,” Drs. Adam Rivadeneyra, MD, a primary care physician, told Healthline. “Similar devices that measure symptoms of depression, sleep, walking speed, and falls, are useful to help monitor patients.”
In 2010, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a review of studies looking at simple daily activities and the risk of death:
Researchers reviewing studies have shown that a possible link is that these activities are indicators of general health. Those who are in poor health would be more vulnerable than those who are healthy.
“It is important to identify health problems that negatively affect the balance and correct them if possible,” Rivadeneyra said. “If the patient is healthy, the balance can be improved with practice or physical therapy focused on improving strength, endurance, and coordination.”
The one-leg balance test is based on the idea that the balance power of one leg is an important indicator of the functional capacity of the brain. The person should be able to maintain balance for more than 20 seconds.
Why am I not able to stand for a long time?
Orthostatic intolerance occurs in humans because upright standing is the primary pressure, so it requires rapid and effective blood circulation and nerve compensation to maintain blood pressure, blood flow to the brain, and consciousness. holding.
How do I make long-term stops easier? 7 tips on staying longer See the article : 100 million people in America are burdened with health debts.
- Wear comfortable shoes, which fit well with low heels. …
- Wear a support tube or socks. …
- Wear a lumbar support belt and strengthen your wound. …
- Stay tuned …
- Move to help the cycle. …
- Water well. …
- Ergonomic help.
How long should you be able to stand comfortably?
Sitting behind your desk all day is bad for your health and experts have long advised people to stand in their workplace for about 15 minutes an hour. But a professor at the University of Waterloo says his research shows that people stand for at least 30 minutes an hour to get health benefits.
Why is it so hard to stand still?
Blood flow (according to previous responses): when it stops, the heart is not able to draw blood from the ankles / legs / calves, so there is an old pool of blood that has accumulated. This may interest you : Researchers develop antimicrobial, plant-based food package designed to replace plastic: Starch-based fibers improve protection and reduce damage. Without this new blood to provide oxygen, nutrients, and remove toxins, your muscles will feel uncomfortable.
What muscles does standing on one leg strengthen?
Standing on one leg is an ability that everyone, young and old, can demonstrate. While nerve issues can affect balance, strength is the most important factor in standing on one leg. Read also : Monthly Healthy Theme: Men’s Health Month | Gordon Life | northwestgeorgianews.com. Runners can benefit from strengthening the core, hips and lower extremities.
Which muscle helps you to stand on one leg? Your gluteus ligament plays a major role in your ability to balance one leg, Chan says. This muscle travels along your hips and is responsible for stabilizing as you walk, run or perform any single leg movement.
Does standing on one leg strengthen hips?
This study showed that balancing one leg and doing squats — where you hit and touch the ground without losing your balance — can strengthen your hips and prevent fractures.
Can elderly regain leg strength?
Seniors should train vigorously two to three days a week, focusing on all major muscle groups during each session. When it comes to strength training, the legs are an important part of the equation. With regular weight training and stretching, you will see an increase in muscle strength and flexibility.
What helps the elderly with weak legs? Exercise for your legs: Participating in exercises that strengthen your legs can help prevent lower extremity weakness. Sit-up exercise works well for people, especially the elderly, with weak legs and allows them to improve their balance.
What causes sudden leg weakness in elderly?
While these are among the most common causes of acute leg weakness in the elderly, acute leg weakness can also be caused by a stroke, and a list of abnormalities such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s , ALS, spinal tumors, and others.
How long does it take to rebuild leg strength?
You are more likely to see results two to four weeks after starting a leg exercise program. This includes slightly better endurance and less muscle definition. However, depending on the level of initial exercise, it usually takes three to four months to really diagnose and report the development of strength and power of the legs.
