The Double-Leg Balance Eyes Closed Test assesses static standing balance without visual input. It is related to Romberg-style balance testing and sensory integration balance tasks. Romberg-style testing uses eyes-closed standing to challenge proprioceptive and vestibular contribution, but it should not be considered diagnostic by itself.
Removing visual input makes double-leg stance more challenging and helps identify reliance on vision for balance.
Test name: Double-Leg Balance Eyes Closed Test
Category: Static balance / sensory challenge
Primary score: Time held or errors
Best use: Basic balance screen and progression
Key limitation: Ceiling effects are common in healthy active adults.
The client stands on two feet with eyes closed for a set time while maintaining balance.
Used to assess basic standing balance without visual input and to provide a simple sensory balance challenge.
It may reflect postural control, somatosensory input, vestibular contribution, confidence and sway control.
Useful for general balance screening, older adults, beginners and clients not ready for single-leg eyes-closed testing.
Flat surface
Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
Safety support nearby
Optional foam surface for progression
Measurz/MAT platform for time, errors, symptoms and retest comparison
Client stands with feet in standardised position.
Arms are standardised.
Client closes eyes.
Start timing.
Stop if eyes open, feet move, support is used, symptoms occur or time cap is reached.
Record time, error count, foot position, surface, symptoms and reason for stopping.
Formal norms vary by protocol. Many healthy adults can complete 30 seconds on firm ground. Reduced performance may warrant further assessment, especially if paired with symptoms or difficulty on other balance tasks.
Romberg-style eyes-closed standing is a long-standing clinical balance screen. It is not diagnostic alone and should be interpreted with other sensory, balance and functional tests.
Common errors include unsafe setup, not standardising foot position, inconsistent time caps, not recording symptoms and overinterpreting sway.
Useful as an entry-level balance screen, sensory balance progression and baseline/retest measure.
Record stance width, time, surface, errors, symptoms, support use and retest date.
Is this Romberg testing? It is related to Romberg-style eyes-closed standing.
Does it diagnose vestibular issues? No.
What is a common time cap? Often 30 seconds, but record the cap used.
Is it easier than single-leg eyes closed? Yes.
Simple eyes-closed balance screen.
Useful entry-level sensory challenge.
Standardise stance and surface.
Not diagnostic alone.
Measurz can track time and errors.
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Romberg test for balance issues.
Physiopedia. (n.d.). Romberg Test.
