You may have heard of the single leg toothbrushing concept. The idea is that as you brush your teeth you should stand on one leg. It combines 2 elements. The idea that to enforce a habit you should tie it to something else that's regular. Like taking your supplements when you stop for a break at 11 every morning, for example. That way you build it in and are less likely to forget to do it.

The other element is that better balance leads to a longer life. Now we have some data to add colour to the second part. Researchers asked 1700 people between 51 and 75 to balance on one leg. They got 3 attempts to make it to 10 seconds. Around 1 in 5 of those tested couldn't do it (about 5% failed at 51–55 versus about 54% at 71–75). 

They then tracked all of the participants mortality for the next 7 years. The results were pretty telling. After adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities, the paper's hazard ratio was 1.84, meaning about 84% higher risk for those that failed the test.

What can we take from the test? Firstly, it's another of those quick easy tests of what is, essentially, fitness along with walking speed, grip strength and the more difficult sitting-rising test.

And therein lies the real question: Is it really balance that reduces your all cause mortality rate? Or is it that if you are fitter you are more likely to be able to balance on one leg? So, is it really balance, or general fitness, that's driving the change?

We'd be inclined to conclude that balancing on one leg while brushing our teeth is no substitute for regular movement. If we really wanted to improve our balance a regular yoga class, or gymnastics practice if you have the ability, would not only up our balance ability but also our social bonds and general health. 

No shortcuts to health. Again. Sorry.

Full study here.