Just as a flight recorder logs critical data, your sense of balance is a “flight recorder” for your health, logging the performance of your body’s key systems. A leading cardiologist says a 10-second, one-legged stand allows you to “read the data” and see if you are on a safe flight path.
This idea is supported by a 2022 study that analyzed the “flight data” from 1,700 older adults. The research found that the data logged by their balance system was a powerful predictor of whether their “flight” would continue safely or encounter turbulence.
The study’s analysis was stark. A smooth, stable reading from the recorder—passing the 10-second test—was associated with a greater than 90% chance of a safe journey for the next seven years. An erratic reading was a clear warning of potential system failure.
The cardiologist explains that this is because balance logs the real-time performance of your “avionics”—your brain, nervous system, and sensory inputs. A poor reading indicates a malfunction in one of these critical flight systems.
If your flight recorder is showing warning signs, you can perform maintenance. The expert recommends a “systems check and overhaul” through targeted exercise. She advises practices like Tai Chi and yoga to recalibrate your internal systems, stabilize your flight path, and ensure a long and smooth journey.