Postural Characteristics of the Elderly and the Relationship with Falling.

Abstract

The present report introduces the postural classfication of elderly persons, which can be used in clinical application, and then deals with the changes in postural adjustment function with aging. The analysis between dynamic stability and falling in the elderly was made by the one-leg standing test with the eyes closed, and revealed that those who had experienced falling(s) showed deterioration of dynamic stability. It is considered important for preventing falling in the elderly not only to increase understanding of their physical characteristics but also to pay attention to their surroundings that should be cope with changes in physical functions with aging.