Single Leg Stand (1LegSt)

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1. Test objective

Determination of sensorimotor regulation in precision tasks.

In the Single Leg Stand Test, the subject is asked to try to stand with one foot on the balance rail for one minute. They stand with the preferred foot on the T-rail. The game leg is held freely in the air and is not to be applied to the standing leg. The arms may be used for balancing. If the free foot touches the ground, the single leg stand should be resumed immediately. The clock continues to run during this brief contact with the ground. If, however, the test person completely descends from the rail, the stopwatch is stopped until the test person has returned to the same starting position. Before the test task begins, a demonstration is given by the test leader. The test person is then allowed to try on which foot he or she stands more securely. A test is performed. The test task is completed perfectly if the playing leg does not touch the floor at all for one minute.

The ground contacts with the playing leg during one minute are counted and entered in the evaluation sheet. If there are more than 30 contacts, the test attempt is aborted and the test is not repeated. The stand may not be changed during the test. In the event of prolonged contact with the ground with the game leg or in the event of a complete descent, the time is stopped until the test person has resumed the single-leg stance with the same leg. Then the experimenter allows the time to continue. The game leg must not touch the rail during the entire execution.

Standard values
Studies are available with comparative values in childhood and adolescence (MoMo study, Bös et al., 2009) and in adulthood (Bad Schönborn study, Woll, Tittlbach, Schott & Bös, 2004).

In this test you have to keep your balance on one foot for one minute. To do this, place one foot on the T-rail. You can try out which foot you use and decide for yourself. The foot on the balance rail should remain on the rail for the entire minute. If you touch the floor with the other foot because you lose your balance, try to quickly stand on one foot again. But try to touch the floor with the other foot as seldom as possible. Do not touch the rail with your free foot. Try not to touch your standing leg with your free foot either.

The exercise is performed with sports shoes.
If possible, place the T-rail at a safe distance from the wall to prevent bracing.

Sources of error
The playing leg is repeatedly placed against the standing leg. Here an immediate hint to refrain from this.

Bös, K., Worth, A., Heel, J., Opper, E., Romahn, N., Tittlbach, S., Wank, V. & Woll, A. (2004). Testmanual des Motorik-Moduls im Rahmen des Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitssurveys des Robert Koch Instituts. Haltung und Bewegung, 24, 6–41.

Tittlbach, S., Kolb, H., Woll, A. & Bös, K. (2005). Karlsruher gesundheitsorientierter Koordinationstest (KGKT). Bewegungstherapie und Gesundheitssport, 21 (6), 253–258.

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