How to test your balance

If you are a little unsure whether you are at risk of having a fall, here are a few questions that you can ask yourself.

• Have you had a fall or near fall in the last 12 months?
• Do you feel unsteady or dizzy if you make sudden movements such as bending down or turning quickly?
• Do you take two or more of the following medications: Anti-depressants, sedatives/tranquilisers, Parkinson’s disease medication, opioids, anticonvulsants, diuretics, or cardiac medications?
• Do you have reduced sensation in your feet or legs?
• Have you had a stroke or other neurological problem that has affected your balance?
• Do you feel unsteady walking or going up and downstairs?
• Do you need to use your hands to get out of a chair?
• Do you need a walking aid or to hold on to furniture when walking?
• Can you not stand on 1 leg for more than 10 seconds?
• Are you inactive? (Do you do 30 mins of walking/exercising on fewer than 3 times a week)?

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, we would recommend that you speak to your physiotherapist about getting a proper balance assessment. As they say, ‘a pinch of prevention, versus a pound of cure’ is always the best way to go.