(ORDO NEWS) — A frightening new study finds that those unable to stand on one leg for 10 seconds are almost twice as likely to die within the next decade, scientists say.
Scientists believe the new test should be used in healthcare settings to check a patient’s general health
In a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, an international team of scientists analyzed data from another study dating back to 1994.
It was then that the Clinimex Exercise cohort study was organized, which assessed the associations between various indicators of fitness and other variables and risk factors.
Stand on one leg
In the new study, researchers included a cohort of more than 1,700 people aged 51 to 75. Their inspection took place between 2009 and 2020.
During the test, participants had to stand on one leg for 10 seconds without any additional support. To standardize the test, the researchers asked people to place the front of their free foot on the back of their opposite calf, place their hands at their sides, and look straight ahead at all times. Up to three attempts were allowed.
Stunning Results
One in five of the cohort failed the single-legged stance test, and a correlation was found between age and failure.
At the same time, failures doubled every five years, starting from the age of 51-55 years. More than half (about 54%) of participants aged 71-75 failed the test.
The scientists noted that people who failed the test were more likely to have health problems such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and more.
Over the next decade, 123 participants died from cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and complications from COVID-19.
However, the results were much more frightening. A follow-up adjustment for age, gender, and underlying health conditions and the inability to stand unsupported on one leg for 10 seconds showed an association with an 84 percent increased risk of dying from any cause over the next 10 years.
The test could be used in healthcare settings to check general health, as well as measuring a patient’s height, weight and blood pressure, the researchers said.
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