Flamingo balance test
In the absence of complicated diagnostic equipment static balance can be measured by using Flamingo test. The equipment has a 50cm long metal beam, 4 cm high and 3 cm wide. The beam is stabilized by two supports at each ends. The ability to balance successfully on a single leg is assessed.
- While balancing on the preferred leg the free leg is flexed at the knee and the foot of this leg held close to the buttocks. Standing just like a “flamingo”.
- The athlete keeps balance by holding the instructor’s hand then the watch should be started as the instructor lets go.
- The stopwatch must be stopped each time when the person loses balance, either by falling off the beam or letting go the foot behind being held.
The number of falls should be counted in 1 minute of balancing.
An appropriate stopwatch is needed for the measurement. (It should have an automatic reset, it can record split and lap times and record total elapsed time.)
If there are more than 15 falls in the first 30 seconds, the test is terminated and the score is given. Children under 7 should not do this test.