Balance and Proprioception: Double Leg (DL) Balance - Eyes Closed Test

The Double-Leg Balance Eyes Closed Test assesses static standing balance without visual input. It is related to Romberg-style balance testing and sensory integration balance tasks. Romberg-style testing uses eyes-closed standing to challenge proprioceptive and vestibular contribution, but it should not be considered diagnostic by itself.  

Introduction

Removing visual input makes double-leg stance more challenging and helps identify reliance on vision for balance.

Quick Summary

Test name: Double-Leg Balance Eyes Closed Test
Category: Static balance / sensory challenge
Primary score: Time held or errors
Best use: Basic balance screen and progression
Key limitation: Ceiling effects are common in healthy active adults.

What Is the Assessment?

The client stands on two feet with eyes closed for a set time while maintaining balance.

Why It Is Used

Used to assess basic standing balance without visual input and to provide a simple sensory balance challenge.

What It Measures

It may reflect postural control, somatosensory input, vestibular contribution, confidence and sway control.

Who It Is Used For

Useful for general balance screening, older adults, beginners and clients not ready for single-leg eyes-closed testing.

Equipment Required

• Flat surface
• Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
• Safety support nearby
• Optional foam surface for progression
• Measurz/MAT platform for time, errors, symptoms and retest comparison

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Client stands with feet in standardised position.
2. Arms are standardised.
3. Client closes eyes.
4. Start timing.
5. Stop if eyes open, feet move, support is used, symptoms occur or time cap is reached.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record time, error count, foot position, surface, symptoms and reason for stopping.

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

Formal norms vary by protocol. Many healthy adults can complete 30 seconds on firm ground. Reduced performance may warrant further assessment, especially if paired with symptoms or difficulty on other balance tasks.

Reliability and Validity

Romberg-style eyes-closed standing is a long-standing clinical balance screen. It is not diagnostic alone and should be interpreted with other sensory, balance and functional tests.  

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include unsafe setup, not standardising foot position, inconsistent time caps, not recording symptoms and overinterpreting sway.

Practical Applications

Useful as an entry-level balance screen, sensory balance progression and baseline/retest measure.

How to Record This in Measurz/MAT

Record stance width, time, surface, errors, symptoms, support use and retest date.

FAQs

Is this Romberg testing? It is related to Romberg-style eyes-closed standing.
Does it diagnose vestibular issues? No.
What is a common time cap? Often 30 seconds, but record the cap used.
Is it easier than single-leg eyes closed? Yes.

Key Takeaways

• Simple eyes-closed balance screen.
• Useful entry-level sensory challenge.
• Standardise stance and surface.
• Not diagnostic alone.
• Measurz can track time and errors.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Romberg test for balance issues.  

Physiopedia. (n.d.). Romberg Test.