No-kit assessment
Single-Leg Stance TestSLS
Single-leg stance isolates static standing balance, the capacity behind stepping, dressing while standing, and recovering from a stumble. It is the simplest balance test to administer and pairs well with the anterior-only Functional Reach.
Safety
Guard closely; the patient is deliberately at a single point of support. Do not administer if the patient cannot stand unsupported. Keep a stable surface within reach but not in use.
What you need
- Stopwatch or phone timer
- Clear space with a nearby stable surface to guard toward
How to administer
- 1.Patient stands unsupported, hands on hips or at sides per your chosen protocol (record which).
- 2.Patient lifts one foot without touching the stance leg and holds the single-leg position.
- 3.Start timing when the foot leaves the floor; stop when the foot touches down, the stance foot shifts, the arms leave position, or a maximum (commonly 30 sec) is reached.
- 4.Test eyes-open first; eyes-closed is a harder variant to add if appropriate and safe.
- 5.Record the best of three trials per leg.
Cutoffs and norms
| Age | Approx. normal hold (eyes open) |
|---|---|
| 60-69 | About 22 sec |
| 70-79 | About 14 sec |
| 80-99 | About 9 sec |
Approximate mean single-leg stance times by decade; times fall sharply with age and further with eyes closed. A commonly cited fall-risk flag is inability to hold about 5 sec. Verify against the source before clinical use.
Source: Bohannon et al., 1984
Longer hold is better. Compare to the age reference and between legs; a marked left-right asymmetry can be as meaningful as a low absolute time. Note eyes-open versus eyes-closed and arm position, since both change the norms.
References
- Bohannon RW, Larkin PA, Cook AC, Gear J, Singer J. Decrease in timed balance test scores with aging. Phys Ther. 1984;64(7):1067-1070. PubMed