FWW CHALLENGE - STORK BALANCE TEST

The purpose of this test to assess your ability to stand on one leg. To be perfectly honest this test is very difficult. Seldom have I seen someone with no prior experience to this test last longer than a few seconds.

Having said that. I found, with some practice, you can reach max scoring.

TEST PROCEDURE

Equipment

• A flat and firm floor

• 1 stopwatch and a friend to time you

• Failing that stand in front of a clock ideally at eye level

Procedure

You are permitted a few minutes to practice the test on each leg before you record your best time.

• Shoes are removed

• Hands are placed on hips

• The sole of the foot is placed on the inside of the opposite legs knee making a triangle shape

• On the go command, raise up on the ball of the foot so your heel is off the ground (as high as feels comfortable)

• Take the best of three attempts on each leg

The test comes to an end for any of the following reasons.

• The supporting foot comes away from the knee

• The heel touches the floor

• You hop on one foot (one hop is ok)

• The foot swivels from side to side

SCORING

Rating

Score (seconds)

Excellent

> 50

Good

40 - 50

Average

25- 39

Fair

10 - 24

Poor

< 10

As mentioned, in my experience and the tests I’ve performed with clients of all ages, the average is between 10-24 seconds and probably towards the lower end of the scale so don’t be too hard on yourself if you score poorly.