The 10 second 'flamingo test' that could show if you're 'more likely to die earlier'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

People who cannot stand on one leg for 10 seconds doing a flamingo-style balance test have an increased risk of death within seven years, according to a new study.

Asking people to stand on one leg for 10 seconds provides “useful information regarding mortality risk in middle-aged and older men and women”, researchers said.The team of global researchers, including experts from Bristol Medical School, examined data on 1,702 people aged 51 to 75 from Brazil.

READ MORE: NHS campaigners urge for return of free Covid tests as cases surge across UK READ MORE: Scottish patients waiting almost two days for A&E care, figures showWhen the participants enrolled in the study they gave various medical details and, as part of a health check-up, they were asked to stand on one leg for 10 seconds without any additional support.To standardise the assessment, people were asked to take off their shoes and socks and place the front of the free foot on the back of the opposite lower leg, while keeping their arms by their sides and their gaze fixed straight ahead.They were allowed three attempts.One in five people (20%) failed to pass the test, with the inability to do so rising with age – 54% of those aged 71 to 75 were unable to balance on one leg for 10 seconds compared to just 5% of 51 to 55-year-olds, 8% of 56 to 60-year-olds, 18% of 61 to 65-year-olds and 37% of 66 to 70-year-olds.People who failed the test were more likely to be older, be overweight and more likely to have a diagnosis of diabetes.The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, tracked participants over a number of years.After an average follow-up time of seven years, 123 people had died, or 7% of the participants.Some 17.5% of people who failed the test