How sound is your body’s overall structural and neurological integrity? A top cardiologist suggests a simple, 10-second “integrity test” can give you the answer. Standing on one leg challenges the core systems that hold your body together and keep it functioning correctly, and your performance is a key indicator of long-term health.
This concept is supported by a landmark 2022 study that monitored 1,700 older adults for a decade. The research sought to identify simple, functional assessments that could reflect the body’s overall condition. The one-leg stand emerged as a powerful test of this systemic integrity.
The study found that a body with enough integrity to pass the 10-second test was overwhelmingly likely to continue functioning well. Participants who passed had a greater than 90% chance of surviving the next seven years without major disability or a fatal cardiovascular event.
According to the expert cardiologist, this is because balance isn’t just about your legs. It’s a test of the integrity of your entire neurological network, your sensory feedback loops (vision, inner ear), and your musculoskeletal frame. A failure suggests a crack in this foundational structure that could lead to future problems.
If your body’s integrity test reveals a weakness, you can take action to reinforce it. The specialist recommends moving beyond standard exercise routines to include practices that specifically target balance and coordination. Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent for rebuilding and strengthening your body’s fundamental integrity.