A stopwatch for eyes-open and eyes-closed trials, with age averages from 549 healthy adults.
The Single Leg Stance Test (one-legged or unipedal stance) times how long someone can balance on one leg. It is a quick check of static balance, takes about 2 minutes and needs only a stopwatch.
Stand close enough to help, keep the area clear and stop if the person feels dizzy, unsteady or has pain. Use a gait belt if your setting calls for one.
This is a measurement, not a diagnosis. The Single Leg Stance Test shows how long someone can balance on one leg. It can’t tell you why, or what treatment is needed. Results should be reviewed with a physical therapist or another licensed health care provider who examines the person.
Reference values, not pass/fail rules. The numbers below come from specific published study groups. Use them as a guide alongside your own examination.
| Age | Eyes open, best of 3 | Eyes open, average | Eyes closed, best of 3 | Eyes closed, average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–39 | 44.7 s | 43.3 s | 15.2 s | 9.4 s |
| 40–49 | 41.9 s | 40.3 s | 12.7 s | 7.3 s |
| 50–59 | 41.2 s | 37.0 s | 8.3 s | 4.8 s |
| 60–69 | 32.1 s | 26.9 s | 4.4 s | 2.8 s |
| 70–79 | 21.5 s | 15.0 s | 3.1 s | 2.0 s |
| 80–99 | 9.4 s | 6.2 s | 1.9 s | 1.3 s |
Spread was wide in older groups (for example, ages 70 to 79 eyes-open best: 21.5 ± 17.3 s), so a time below the average is not by itself abnormal.
Sources. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Rehabilitation Measures Database: Single Leg Stance and Timed Unipedal Stance Test (cost: free). Springer BA, Marin R, Cyhan T, Roberts H, Gill NW. Normative values for the unipedal stance test with eyes open and closed. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2007;30(1):8-15. Jacobs JV, Horak FB, et al. Multiple balance tests improve the assessment of postural stability in subjects with Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2006;77(3):322-326. Mak MK, Pang MY. J Neurol. 2009;256(5):742-749 and 2010;257(9):1543-1551. Instructions on this page are written in our own words. Holsman Physical Therapy is not affiliated with these organizations, and they do not endorse this website.
Next step: Bring this printout to your next visit, or attach it to your referral. Holsman physical therapists treat balance, strength and walking problems at 17 clinics in North Jersey, the Bronx and Brooklyn, plus in-home visits. Request an appointment or call 1-855-465-7626. No referral needed to start with most plans; we verify your insurance free.
The Single Leg Stance Test (also called the one-legged stance test or unipedal stance test) times how long a person can stand on one leg without support. It is a quick check of standing balance and can be done with eyes open and with eyes closed.
With hands on the hips, the person lifts one foot. Timing starts when the foot leaves the floor and stops when the lifted foot touches the floor or the standing leg, the standing foot moves, or a hand leaves the hip.
Springer and colleagues (2007) recorded three trials for each condition and reported both the best and the average time, so this tool shows both. Many clinics stop the clock at 30 seconds, a common upper limit.
Being unable to stand on one leg for at least 5 seconds has been linked to a higher risk of an injurious fall (as listed by the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab). In Parkinson’s disease, 10 seconds or less was associated with a history of falls (Jacobs et al., 2006), although later studies did not confirm that cut-off.
Balance on one leg declines with age. In Springer et al.’s study of 549 healthy adults, the average best eyes-open time was about 45 seconds for ages 18 to 39, about 32 seconds for ages 60 to 69, about 22 seconds for ages 70 to 79 and about 9 seconds for ages 80 and over.
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