How long you should be able to stand on one leg, according to your age

 Because my doctors and therapists were incompetent I have failed this on my left leg for twenty years and will continue to fail for the next 30 years. It has nothing to do with my longevity!

How long you should be able to stand on one leg, according to your age

Unless you practice yoga (or are secretly part flamingo), standing on one leg probably isn’t part of your routine.

But this quick minute(ish) activity can actually reveal a lot about your physical health.

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we get older: from wrinkles to our hair, to memory recall and the ability to digest certain foods.

But research has revealed that standing on one leg can be a strong indicator of how well you’re ageing.

In a study published in the journal of PLoS One in 2023, researchers found that strength and balance involved in the pose is among the first to go.

They discovered a sharp drop off in ability after the age of 65, with many older participants struggling to hold the pose for more than two seconds.

The authors wrote: ‘These findings suggest that the duration of unipedal stance [standing on one leg] can serve as a reliable and gender-independent measure of neuromuscular ageing for both elderly male and female subjects.’

How’s your balance? (Picture: Getty)

So, standing on one leg is a good way to measure how much balance you have. The researchers wrote that it is a ‘a valid measure of frailty, independence, and fall status and proves to be a useful tool in identifying patients with peripheral neuropathy.’

And it’s not just academic – the NHS has a guideline for how long you should be able to stand on one leg for – depending on your age of course.

 Related video: How much should you be able to walk according to your age? (Welltica+)

Back in 2023, the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Board asked: ‘How long can you stand on one leg like a flamingo?’

They added: ‘It might sound like an odd question, but your answer to the above question could tell you a lot about your general health and fitness’.

The rules are:

• Stand on one leg without any other support
• Keep your eyes open and your hands on your hips
• Time starts when your foot leaves the ground and stops when you put your foot back down (or when you take your hands off your hips)

Ages 18-39: 43 seconds

Young people should be able to hold the pose for quite some time (Picture: Getty)

If you are aged between 18-39, you should be able to stand on one leg, like a flamingo, for 43 seconds.

Selina Lim, Divisional Director for Integrated Pathways at the NHS East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said: ‘We know that people who struggle to balance for the expected amount of time are at a higher risk of developing ill-health as they age.

‘By taking part in the “flamingo challenge” people can quickly and easily assess for themselves whether they are at risk. If they are, there are lots of different activities they can engage in that can help improve their overall fitness.’

Ages 40-49: 40 seconds

It may not seem like a long time, but give it a try (Picture: Getty)

If you are aged between 40 and 49, you should be able to stand on one leg for 40 seconds.

Doesn’t sound like a long time, but as you get older, the length of time you can stand on one leg decreases

Ages 50-59: 37 seconds

Those aged between 50 to 59, you should be able to stand on one leg for 37 seconds.

According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life is linked to a near doubling in the risk of death from any cause within the next 10 years.

Ages 60-69: 30 seconds

Exercise is brilliant for mental health, especially as you get older (Picture: Getty)

If you are aged between 60 to 69, you should be able to stand on one leg for 30 seconds.

Debbie Dyer, Clinical Lead for Ageing Well and Anticipatory Care at the North East Essex Alliance, said: ‘Moving our bodies more day-to-day brings immediate benefit, too. Exercise is brilliant for mental health and is a great way of meeting new people in your community.

‘The fitter and healthier you are, the better your mental wellbeing, and the longer you will retain your agility, strength, and balance into later life.’

Ages 70-79: 18 seconds. 80+: 5 seconds

Don’t try to hold the pose for too long as you get older (Picture: Getty Images)

Those aged between 70 to 79 should be able to stand on one leg for around 18-19 seconds. If you’re over 80, you should be able to stand on your leg for a little over 5 seconds.

The NHS recommends not to try and maintain the pose for longer than a minute though.

This article was originally published November 28, 2024.

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New Study Reveals Four-Week Approach Linked to Reversed Biological Aging

 Since you need to get back your 5 lost years of brain cognition due to your stroke, your competent? doctor better provide you THIS EXACT PROTOCOL!

Am incompetent doctor will do nothing! A simple question; IS YOUR DOCTOR COMPETENT OR NOT?

New Study Reveals Four-Week Approach Linked to Reversed Biological Aging

Astrocytic Gq pathway activation enhances the efficacy of rehabilitation after stroke

 You'll have to get your incompetent? doctor and hospital to get human testing going! But that won't occur, will it?

Astrocytic Gq pathway activation enhances the efficacy of rehabilitation after stroke

, , , , ,

a

Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

b

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

c

Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

d

WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, The University of Osaka, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

e

Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, The University of Osaka, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

Highlights

• •
  Peri-infarct astrocytes are selectively activated using chemogenetics.
• •
  Astrocytic activation alone is insufficient for functional recovery.
• •
  Astrocytic activation potentiates rehabilitation-induced motor recovery.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of functional impairment. As rehabilitation has a limited effect, it is essential to advance future treatments and enhance the efficacy of rehabilitation. This study focused on the use of astrocytes to augment the efficacy of rehabilitation for strokes. It utilized chemogenetics to specifically activate astrocytes in the peri-infarct region of a mouse photothrombosis model. The mice were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis and behavioral tests to evaluate the effects of astrocytic Gq pathway activation after an induced stroke. The timing of astrocytic activation was separated from that of rehabilitative training. It was observed that chemogenetic astrocytic activation prior to rehabilitation significantly augmented the efficacy of the training and promoted functional motor recovery after the induced stroke. Consequently, a better understanding of this mechanism could be a significant step toward future therapeutic breakthroughs.

Healthcare professionals in stroke rehabilitation perceive goal setting as a dynamic ongoing process: A systematic review

I'd have everyone involved fired for incompetence in not knowing that the only goal of survivors IS 100% RECOVERY!

There is NO discussion about that!

 Healthcare professionals in stroke rehabilitation perceive goal setting as a dynamic ongoing process: A systematic review

Anna Fišerová, Šarlota Duchoňová, Nils Rickardsson et al.1 Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

Introduction 

●Goal setting is an integral component of stroke rehabilitation, defined as a collaborative process where patients and the multidisciplinary team agree on specific, time-limited targets. 

 ●Research on patients’ perspectives suggest that goal setting is not consistently implemented in stroke rehabilitation and does not involve patients and families in a meaningful way. 

●Healthcare professionals are central to goal setting, yet their perspectives have not been synthesised and critically appraised. 

Design: Systematic review and qualitative synthesis Databases:PubMed · PsycINFO · MEDLINE · CINAHL (searched in May 2025) Eligibility:English-language qualitative or mixed-methods studies with qualitative data on healthcare professionals’ experiences of goal setting in stroke rehabilitation Guidelines:PRISMA & ENTREQ| Framework:SPIDER Quality:CASP appraisal Synthesis:Thematic synthesis · GRADE-CERQualconfidence assessment

Research question: What are the experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals on goal setting in stroke rehabilitation?

There are none! Survivor goal of 100% recovery is paramount!

See link for readable picture.

Music-based interventions in adult stroke rehabilitation: a narrative review of clinical applications, proposed mechanisms, and implementation

 I bet your incompetent? doctor never created a music protocol for your stroke recovery and this will do nothing to change that mind! How long before s/he is fired for incompetence?

music (94 posts back to March 2011)

music therapy (85 posts back to October 2014)

musical training (13 posts back to June 2014)

singing (12 posts to July 2013)

• music playing (2 posts to April 2023)

 Music-based interventions in adult stroke rehabilitation: a narrative review of clinical applications, proposed mechanisms, and implementation

Xue Gong

,

Jingting Kong

,

Zixuan Zhang

&

Hua Sun

Received 29 Jul 2025, Accepted 05 Sep 2026, Published online: 15 Sep 2026

• Cite this article

https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2026.2733390

ABSTRACT

Background

Music is used in stroke rehabilitation through therapist-delivered music therapy, neurologic music therapy techniques, other structured music-based interventions, and technology-assisted systems. Inconsistent terminology and overstated mechanisms complicate interpretation.

Objectives

To synthesize the clinical applications, proposed mechanisms, limitations, and implementation considerations of music-based interventions in adult stroke rehabilitation.

Methods

We conducted a targeted narrative review of peer-reviewed English-language literature identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and reference chaining. We prioritized adult stroke systematic reviews, controlled studies, mechanistic investigations, and implementation research through June 2026. Seminal pre-2010 studies and evidence from other neurological populations were used only to explain mechanisms or gaps and are labeled as indirect. We did not undertake exhaustive retrieval, formal risk-of-bias assessment, or quantitative pooling.

Results

Evidence is most consistent for rhythmic auditory stimulation for gait and selected music-supported upper-limb programs. Melodic intonation therapy may improve trained utterances and repetition in nonfluent aphasia, but transfer to everyday communication is uncertain. Listening and singing programs show potential for cognition, mood, engagement, and sleep, although protocols are heterogeneous. Post-stroke swallowing evidence is preliminary, and blood-brain barrier effects remain preclinical. Outcomes may vary with stroke phase, phenotype, cognition, hearing, comorbidity, musical reward and preference, dose, and provider expertise.

Conclusions

Music-based rehabilitation comprises mechanism-informed adjuncts rather than one treatment. Clinical use should link a defined musical ingredient to a functional target, document provider and dose, incorporate preference and safety screening, and measure everyday transfer. Larger pragmatic and mechanism-specific trials with prespecified moderator analyses are needed.

Improve Your Neuroplasticity: A Functional Medicine Perspective

When your incompetent? doctor uses this word ask then to EXPLAIN EXACTLY what needs to happen for a neuron to drop a current task and take on a neighbors! 

NO explanation; PURE FUCKING INCOMPETENCE! Not knowing that makes neuroplasticity non repeatable on demand!

Improve Your Neuroplasticity: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Our brains are far more adaptable than we once believed. For many years, scientists thought the brain stopped changing after childhood. Today we know that the brain continues to grow, adapt, and form new connections throughout life. This ability is called Neuroplasticity, and it plays a critical role in learning, memory, emotional resilience, and recovery from injury.

From a functional medicine perspective, supporting neuroplasticity means creating the right internal environment for the brain to heal and function at its best. Rather than focusing only on symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, or poor concentration, functional medicine looks deeper—at lifestyle, nutrition, inflammation, sleep, and stress—to support the brain’s natural ability to adapt and repair.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself in response to experience. Every time we learn something new, practice a skill, or adapt to a challenge, the brain forms new neural connections.This process is supported by a key protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, often described as “fertilizer for the brain.” BDNF helps neurons grow, survive, and communicate with each other more effectively. Healthy levels of BDNF are associated with better memory, improved learning, and emotional stability. However, modern lifestyles can work against neuroplasticity.

Chronic stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity can all reduce the brain’s ability to form new connections.

The good news is that many daily habits can significantly improve neuroplasticity.

Move Your Body to Strengthen Your Brain

Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to support brain health. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of BDNF, helping the brain build and strengthen neural connections.

Even moderate activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can improve cognitive function and mood. Research has shown that consistent aerobic exercise can also help protect the brain against age-related decline.

A good goal is about 30 minutes of movement most days of the week. The key is consistency rather than intensity.

Sleep: The Brain’s Repair System

Sleep is when the brain performs essential maintenance. During deep sleep, the brain processes information, strengthens important neural pathways, and clears metabolic waste.

Without adequate sleep, this repair process becomes disrupted. Over time, poor sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and reduced cognitive performance.

Simple strategies to improve sleep include maintaining a regular bedtime, reducing screen exposure in the evening, and creating a calm sleep environment.

Managing Stress to Protect Brain Health

While short-term stress can be helpful in certain situations, chronic stress has the opposite effect. Persistently elevated stress hormones can interfere with neuroplasticity and reduce the brain’s ability to form new neurons.

Practices that calm the nervous system can make a meaningful difference. Many people find benefit from meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness practices, or gentle yoga. Even a few minutes a day can help regulate the body’s stress response and support mental clarity.

Nutrition and Brain Function

What we eat directly affects how our brains function. The brain requires a steady supply of nutrients to support communication between neurons and maintain healthy cell membranes.

Several nutrients play a particularly important role in neuroplasticity, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA

• B vitamins, which support neurotransmitter production

• Magnesium, important for nerve signaling

• Antioxidants and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation

A diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and berries provides many of these nutrients naturally.

L-Theanine and Calm Focus

One compound gaining attention in integrative and functional medicine is L-theanine. L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in green tea.

Unlike stimulants, L-theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. It works by influencing several neurotransmitters involved in mood and focus, including GABA, dopamine, and serotonin.

Studies suggest that L-theanine may help improve attention, reduce stress responses, and support a calm yet focused mental state. By lowering stress and improving mental clarity, it may indirectly support the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections.

The Gut–Brain Connection

Another important piece of the puzzle is the Gut–Brain Axis. The gut and brain are constantly communicating through neural, hormonal, and immune pathways.

The gut microbiome produces compounds that influence inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and even mood. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, it may contribute to symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, or fatigue.

Supporting gut health through fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and a diverse diet may therefore have important benefits for brain health.

A Whole-Person Approach to Brain Health

Improving neuroplasticity rarely comes from a single intervention. Instead, it results from a combination of supportive lifestyle habits that allow the brain to function optimally. These include:

• Regular physical activity

• Consistent, restorative sleep

• Stress management

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Targeted supplements when appropriate

Functional medicine takes a whole-person approach to these factors, aiming to restore balance and create the conditions that allow the brain to adapt, repair, and thrive.

By supporting neuroplasticity, we can enhance cognitive performance, improve emotional resilience, and promote long-term brain health at any stage of life.

References

Gómez-Pinilla, F., & Hillman, C. (2013). The influence of exercise on cognitive abilities. Comprehensive Physiology, 3(1), 403–428.

Lardner, A. L. (2014). Neurobiological effects of theanine and its potential role in neurological disorders. Nutritional Neuroscience, 17(4), 145–155.

Mattson, M. P. (2012). Energy intake and exercise as determinants of brain health. Cell Metabolism, 16(6), 706–722.

Ratey, J. J., & Loehr, J. E. (2011). The positive impact of physical activity on cognition during adulthood. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 13(1), 49–62.