Your body is constantly sending silent signals about its state of health, and one of the most important is related to your balance. A leading cardiologist has highlighted the 10-second, one-legged stand as a way to interpret this signal and understand your potential for a longer life.
This concept of a “silent signal” is backed by a major 2022 study that decoded the meaning of static balance. The study, involving 1,700 adults, found that the signal sent by this simple test was a powerful and accurate predictor of future mortality.
The study’s findings were clear. A strong, steady signal—passing the 10-second test—was interpreted as an “all-clear,” associated with a greater than 90% chance of survival over the next seven years. A weak, wavering signal was a clear warning.
The heart specialist explains that this signal is so important because it comes from the very core of your body’s operating system. It reflects the health of the neurological, sensory, and musculoskeletal networks that are essential for life. You can’t hear it, but you can feel it.
If your body is sending a weak signal, it’s time to listen and respond. The expert recommends amplifying your health with targeted interventions. She suggests practices like yoga and Tai Chi to strengthen the systems that generate this signal, improving your balance and changing the message to one of vitality and longevity.