Balance and Proprioception: Single-Leg Balance - Eyes Open

The Eyes Open Single Leg Balance Test is a clinical test used to assess an individual's ability to maintain balance on one leg with their eyes open. The test is commonly used in physical therapy, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation to evaluate an individual's proprioceptive and vestibular function, as well as their neuromuscular control.

Here are the steps to perform the Eyes Open Single Leg Balance Test:

It's important to note that the Eyes Open Single Leg Balance Test should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional and in a safe environment, with appropriate supervision and equipment as needed.

The normative data for this test can vary depending on the population being assessed, such as age, gender, and functional status.

Here are some examples of normative data for the Eyes Open 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, hit start on the Measurz app timer and instruct the client to raise one foot off the floor and 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.

• For young adults (ages 18-30), the average duration of balance hold on one leg is approximately 25-30 seconds.
• For middle-aged adults (ages 40-59), the average duration of balance hold on one leg is approximately 20-25 seconds.
• For older adults (ages 60-69), the average duration of balance hold on one leg is approximately 10-15 seconds.
• For very old adults (ages 70 and older), the average duration of balance hold on one leg is approximately 5-10 seconds.
• In individuals with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, the average duration of balance hold on one leg may be lower compared to healthy individuals of the same age and gender.

References:

1. Gribble, P. A., Hertel, J., & Plisky, P. (2012). Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to assess dynamic postural-control deficits and outcomes in lower extremity injury: a literature and systematic review. Journal of athletic training, 47(3), 339-357.
2. Kaur, S., Singh, M., Kumar, D., & Singh, A. (2014). Effects of age and gender on single leg balance performance: a cross-sectional study in Indian population. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, 8(4), 174-178.
3. Osoba, M. Y., Rao, A. K., Agrawal, S. K., Lalwani, A. K., & Carlson, M. L. (2016). Balance and gait in the elderly: a contemporary review. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 1(3), 88-96.
4. Teixeira-Salmela, L. F., Nadeau, S., & McBride, I. (2001). Effects of muscle strengthening and physical conditioning training on temporal, kinematic and kinetic variables during gait in older adults. Physical therapy in sport, 2(4), 206-213.