When standing on one leg, why does holding your ear give you much better balance?

Answer 1

It may give YOU better balance as you perceive it to be of assistance. in fact, if it's the ear opposite the leg that you're standing on, the act of holding the ear could physically be helping to balance the body out --much like an animal's tail keeps them in balance. Probably more so in your case, as you've noticed holding the ear helps, you're concentrating on that and not being distracted--thus, better balance.

Answer 2

Are you over there laughing your rear end off picturing thousands of people on one foot.........grabbing and releasing their ears?......And trying to note if there is a difference? LOL Well, I just want to let you know we ARE out here in one big long wobbly line across the world, balancing away! I have no idea WHY that would work. It didn't make much of a difference when I did it. Good luck on your research. :) Thanks for making me smile (just before I almost feel over).