Balance and Proprioception: Single-Leg Balance - Eyes Closed

The Eyes Closed Single Leg Balance Test is a clinical test used to assess an individual's ability to maintain balance while standing on one leg with their eyes closed. The test is commonly used in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings to evaluate balance and proprioception (the ability to sense the position and movement of the body) in individuals with musculoskeletal or neurological impairments, or in athletes who require good balance for optimal performance.

Here are the general steps for performing the Eyes Closed Single Leg Balance Test:

1. Instruct the client to remove their shoes and socks, then have them adopt an upright standing position.
2. Once set, while hitting start on the Measurz app timer, instruct the client to close their eyes and raise one foot off the floor. They will then balance on the opposite leg for as long as possible. 
3. Once completed, hit stop on the Measurz app timer. Record the end result and compare it to the other side.

It's important to ensure that the individual is comfortable and safe throughout the test, and to provide proper support or assistance if needed.

Here is a comprehensive list of normative data for the Eyes Closed Single Leg Balance Test, organized by age group and sex:

Healthy Young Adults (age 20-39):

• Men: 19.3 to 34.8 seconds (average of 21 seconds) (Guskiewicz et al., 1997)
• Women: 14.2 to 26.8 seconds (average of 17 seconds) (Guskiewicz et al., 1997)

Healthy Middle-Aged Adults (age 40-59):

• Men: 11.5 to 26.9 seconds (average of 18.3 seconds) (Hertel et al., 2006)
• Women: 9.7 to 23.3 seconds (average of 15.2 seconds) (Hertel et al., 2006)

Healthy Older Adults (age 60-80):

• Men: 6.4 to 13.4 seconds (average of 9.4 seconds) (Kannus et al., 2005)
• Women: 4.6 to 10.2 seconds (average of 7.4 seconds) (Kannus et al., 2005)

Children (age 6-12):

• Boys: 8.4 to 10.9 seconds (average of 9.6 seconds) (Hrysomallis, 2011)
• Girls: 6.8 to 8.9 seconds (average of 7.9 seconds) (Hrysomallis, 2011)

References:

1. Guskiewicz KM, Perrin DH, Gansneder BM. Effect of mild head injury on postural stability in athletes. J Athl Train. 1996;31(4):300-306.
2. Hertel J, Braham RA, Hale SA, Olmsted-Kramer LC. Simplifying the star excursion balance test: analyses of subjects with and without chronic ankle instability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(3):131-137.
3. Kannus P, Sievänen H, Järvinen TA, Järvinen TL, Kvist M, Natri A, Parkkari J. Good outcomes in physically active older adults with a history of anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005;13(4):261-268.
4. Hrysomallis C. Relationship between balance ability, training and sports injury risk. Sports Med. 2007;37(6):547-556.