Time required: 1-2 minutes
Equipment needed: Stopwatch
Falls risk criteria: A time of less than 10 seconds at Stage 3: Tandem stand indicates an increased risk of falls.
The 4-Stage Balance Test assesses static balance and measures an individual’s ability to hold a series of four balance positions, each more challenging than the previous, for at least 10 seconds each. The inability to complete the third stage (Tandem stand), or fourth stage (Single leg stand) signifies an increased risk of falls.