Single-Leg Balance
Single-leg balance is timed with a 60-second maximum (hands on hips, non-balancing foot raised to the calf). Because most healthy adults under 50 reach the 60-second ceiling, percentile norms are only meaningful for ages 50 and above. Data are from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing (n=24,969). Where several percentiles equal 60 s, the test cannot distinguish performance at those levels. Read more on Wikipedia
How to Perform This Test
- Equipment
-
- Flat, non-slip surface
- Stopwatch
- Steps
-
- Remove footwear; stand on a flat, non-slip surface.
- Place hands on hips.
- Raise the non-balancing foot to the calf of the stance leg.
- Start timing when the foot leaves the ground.
- Stop timing when: the raised foot touches the floor, hands leave hips, or the stance foot shifts position.
- Scoring
Time in seconds, maximum 60 seconds. Perform 3 attempts on the preferred leg and record the best. The 60-second ceiling means this test does not differentiate well in adults under 50.
- Notes
These norms are eyes-open, single-leg balance. Eyes-closed testing produces much shorter times and is a separate assessment.
Data source: Mayhew et al. (CLSA) About this study
Single-Leg Balance Norms by Age and Sex (s)
| Age | Sex | Percentile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 95th | ||
| 50-59 | Male | 7.8 | 52.5 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Female | 7.8 | 48.4 | 60 | 60 | 60 | |
| 60-69 | Male | 3.5 | 17.7 | 52.4 | 60 | 60 |
| Female | 3.8 | 15.3 | 44.9 | 60 | 60 | |
| 70-79 | Male | 2.3 | 6.6 | 18.3 | 45.6 | 60 |
| Female | 2.2 | 6.1 | 13.7 | 39.3 | 60 | |
| 80+ | Male | 1 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 9.8 | 60 |
| Female | 0.5 | 1.7 | 3 | 5.4 | 60 | |
What to expect by age group
Among adults aged 60 to 69, the middle 50% balance for 18 to 60 seconds for men and 15 to 60 seconds for women (the 60-second ceiling is reached by many at this age). Balance declines steeply with each decade, median times fall from about 52 seconds (men) and 45 seconds (women) in the early 60s to under 2 seconds by age 80+; sex differences are small relative to the dramatic age effect. Among adults aged 60 to 69, scores below 18 seconds (men) or 15 seconds (women) are typically below average; scores at 60 seconds (the test ceiling) are above average.
| Age | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| 50-59 | 52.5 to 60 ⚠ | 48.4 to 60 ⚠ |
| 60-69 | 17.7 to 60 ⚠ | 15.3 to 60 ⚠ |
| 70-79 | 6.6 to 45.6 | 6.1 to 39.3 |
| 80+ | 1.7 to 9.8 | 1.7 to 5.4 |
⚠ Distribution is censored at the upper end (test ceiling).
Detailed Breakdowns
Select an age group and sex below for detailed percentile charts, tables, and ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there no data for ages 20-49?
The single-leg balance test has a 60-second ceiling. Most healthy adults under 50 can hold the stance for the full 60 seconds, so percentile norms cannot meaningfully differentiate performance in younger age groups. The CLSA study enrolled participants aged 45-85, and even the 50-59 bracket shows ceiling effects at the 50th percentile and above.
How is the test performed?
The full step-by-step protocol is detailed in the 'How to Perform This Test' section above.
Why does balance decline with age?
Static balance depends on the integration of visual, vestibular (inner ear), and proprioceptive (joint position) feedback. All three sensory systems decline with age, along with muscle strength and reaction speed needed for postural corrections. The steepest decline typically occurs between ages 60 and 80.
Can I improve my balance?
Balance training is one of the most responsive fitness domains to intervention, but specific training guidance is outside the scope of this reference site. These norms show where a given balance time falls relative to the population, they do not prescribe training targets.