A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. A leading cardiologist says a 10-second, one-legged stand is a simple way to test the strength of your body’s entire health chain. An inability to balance can expose a weak link in your neurological, sensory, or muscular systems.
This “weakest link” theory is supported by a 2022 study that followed 1,700 older adults. The research showed that a failure in the simple act of balancing was often the first sign of a breakdown in the complex chain of systems required to maintain stability and, by extension, overall health.
The study found that a chain strong enough to withstand the 10-second test was associated with a greater than 90% chance of surviving the next seven years without a critical failure (i.e., death or major disability). A broken chain, however, led to a significantly higher risk.
The heart specialist explains that balance requires every link in the chain—from the command center in your brain to the sensors in your feet—to be strong and communicative. A wobble or fall during the test means that somewhere along the line, a link is failing under pressure.
You can strengthen the weak links in your health chain. If you fail the test, it’s a clear signal to focus on foundational health. The expert recommends incorporating practices like yoga and Tai Chi, which work to fortify every part of the chain, from cognitive focus to physical strength.