What Balancing On One Leg Means

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Researchers have frequently examined balance in relation to health issues including ear infections, hypotension, and traumatic brain injuries. However, scientific evidence indicates that balance capabilities may also be linked to circulatory health and potential stroke risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that stroke ranks as the fourth leading cause of mortality in the United States and stands as a primary cause of significant long-term disability. Continue reading to discover what your ability to balance on one leg might indicate about stroke risk and strategies to prevent this serious medical condition.

Can you maintain your balance on a single leg for 20 seconds? If you struggle with this task, research published in the American Heart Association’s Journal Stroke indicates you might have an elevated risk of small vessel damage within the brain and diminished cognitive function. This simple assessment could serve as an early warning sign of stroke risk in otherwise healthy individuals who display no obvious symptoms.

The research conducted in 2014 evaluated the balance capabilities of approximately 1,400 participants with an average age of 67. Subjects were instructed to stand on one leg for a minimum of one minute, and their performance was then compared with MRI scans that evaluated the condition of small blood vessels in their brains.

The scientists discovered that individuals unable to maintain single-leg balance for more than 20 seconds demonstrated higher instances of cerebral small vessel disease compared to those who could balance longer. These typically manifested as minor infarctions such as lacunar infarctions and microbleeds that existed without producing noticeable symptoms. The research findings revealed:

•Among participants with more than two lacunar infarction lesions, 34.5 percent experienced balance difficulties.

•Of those with a single lacunar infarction lesion, 16 percent demonstrated balance problems.

•For subjects with more than two microbleed lesions, 30 percent struggled with balance.

•Among those with one microbleed lesion, 15.3 percent had difficulty maintaining balance.

Participants exhibiting cerebral diseases were generally older, possessed thicker carotid arteries, and had higher blood pressure readings compared to those without evidence of cerebral small vessel disease. After accounting for these variables, researchers noted that individuals with shorter single-leg standing times also tended to have more microbleeds in their brains.

“Our research demonstrates that single-leg balance ability represents a significant indicator of brain health,” explained Yasuharu Tabara, Ph.D., principal study author and associate professor at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine’s Center for Genomic Medicine in Kyoto, Japan. “People who demonstrate poor single-leg balance should receive heightened attention, as this may signal an increased vulnerability to brain disease and cognitive decline.”

Naturally, many individuals simply have inherently poor balance, so this test cannot be considered definitive. Nevertheless, according to Tabara, “Single-leg standing time provides a straightforward measurement of postural instability and might result from the presence of brain abnormalities.”

Recognizing stroke warning signs

If you’re over 55 or have any stroke risk factors such as family history, understanding stroke symptoms is crucial. Quick recognition and immediate action could be the difference between recovery and permanent disability or death.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these are critical symptoms to monitor. Call emergency services immediately if you experience or witness any of these warning signs:

•Sudden numbness or weakness affecting the face, arm, or leg—particularly on one side of the body

•Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or trouble comprehending speech

•Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes

•Sudden dizziness, coordination issues, balance problems, or difficulty walking

•Sudden severe headache without apparent cause

•Additional warning signs may include double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting.

Never delay when stroke symptoms appear. Time is critical, and receiving immediate medical attention is essential even if symptoms are temporary.