Top 5 Balance Tests Physical Therapists Use to Prevent Falls in Seniors
As we age, maintaining balance becomes more than just a convenience—it becomes a vital part of staying safe, mobile, and independent. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and preventing them starts with understanding your current level of balance and mobility.
That’s where physical therapists come in. Through a series of standardized tests, we can measure your risk of falling and design a personalized program to improve strength, coordination, and confidence.
Here are five of the most common balance tests physical therapists use to assess fall risk in seniors:
1. Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5xSTS)
What it measures: Lower body strength and transitional movement ability
How it works: The individual is asked to sit in a standard chair and stand up fully, then sit back down five times as quickly as possible without using their hands.
Why it matters: Difficulty completing this task in under 12 seconds may indicate lower limb weakness and a higher fall risk. This test also mimics real-life movements like getting out of a chair or toilet—key for daily independence.
For safety purposes, I always recommend placing a chair up against a sturdy surface when performing this test.
2. Single Leg Stance Test
What it measures: Static balance and proprioception
How it works: Standing on one leg with eyes open, hands on hips, in the corner of the room for safety. The goal is to maintain balance for at least 5 seconds.
Why it matters: The inability to stand on one leg for 5 seconds is associated with increased fall risk, especially in adults over 65. It’s a quick and easy test that reveals a lot about your postural control.
3. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
What it measures: Functional mobility and dynamic balance
How it works: The participant starts seated in a chair, stands up, walks 10 feet (3 meters), turns around, walks back, and sits down.
Why it matters: Taking longer than 12 seconds is typically a red flag for increased fall risk. The TUG is a powerful test because it combines several real-life movements—standing, walking, turning, and sitting—all in one.
4. Functional Reach Test
Functional Reach Test
What it measures: Stability while reaching
How it works: Standing upright next to a wall, the person reaches forward as far as possible without taking a step or losing balance. The distance is measured in inches.
Why it matters: A reach of less than 6 inches indicates a significant fall risk. This test shows how well someone can control their center of gravity while performing tasks like grabbing items from shelves or countertops.
5. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
What it measures: A broad picture of static and dynamic balance through 14 tasks
How it works: This multi-part test includes tasks such as standing with feet together, turning in a circle, reaching forward, and retrieving an object from the floor. This test does have to be administered by a Physical Therapist for safety and for interpretation. Each task is scored on a scale of 0–4, with a maximum score of 56.
Why it matters: A score below 45 indicates a greater risk of falling. While it takes a bit longer to complete, the Berg Balance Scale is one of the most comprehensive assessments used in physical therapy.
Why These Tests Matter
Balance is more than just standing still—it’s the ability to move safely through your environment, transition from one position to another, and respond quickly to changes in terrain or surroundings.
If you or a loved one is concerned about balance, these tests can identify where the challenges lie and help guide an effective plan to reduce the risk of falls.
Ready to Get Your Balance Tested?
At Custom Care Rehab, we bring evidence-based physical therapy right to your home. Our fall prevention programs include full balance assessments and customized exercises to help you stay strong, steady, and safe.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to see how we can help you or a loved one move with more confidence!
Learn About our Balance Booster Program
If these tests reveal challenges with your balance, don’t wait for a fall to happen—take action today. Our Balance Booster Program is a self-paced, video-based exercise series created by licensed physical therapists to help older adults build strength, improve coordination, and move with confidence. Whether you’re looking to reduce your risk of falling or simply feel steadier on your feet, this prevention-focused program can be done from the comfort of your home—with or without a caregiver. It's perfect for seniors who want to stay active, independent, and injury-free.
Want a Balance Exercise Program you can do at Home?
Everyone deserves a chance to get evidence-based therapy, no matter where you live! I have designed and recorded a balance video series that addresses all 3 components of balance in a fun and interactive manner. Work out with me! Right in the comfort of your own home at your own pace!
