Thirty eight relevant studies were identified (n=15,443): 23 observational studies (nine cohort n=5,002, range 96 to 1,200 and 14 cross-sectional, n=8,959, range 73 to 2,672) and 15 RCTs (n=1,482, range 24 to 256). There was a high level of heterogeneity in interventions and methods used to measure one-leg standing time.
Associations between one-leg standing time and negative events:
There was no association between one-leg standing time and mortality (one study) or physical activity (one study). The association between one-leg standing time and falls was inconsistent; significant positive and negative associations and no association were reported across 13 studies. There was a significant decline in activities of daily living with lower one-leg standing time (five studies). Significant positive correlations were observed between one-leg standing time and femoral neck and whole body bone mineral density (one out of three studies) and forced expiratory vital capacity (one study). Severe obesity was significantly associated with poor one-leg standing performance (one study).
Improvement in one-leg standing time:
Seven of the 15 RCTs showed a significant improvement in one-leg standing time in the intervention group compared to the control group. The successful interventions were: yoga; t'ai chi; supervised balance exercises; resistance exercise (both high and moderate were successful); self-paced resistance training or walking; balance and/or strength training; and multisensory training. Each intervention was evaluated in a single study.