[The relationship between visual perception and postural control in falls of the elderly living in local communities]

We have examined the relationship between visual sense information, such as perception data and postural control, and falls among elderly people aged 65 years or over living in Nishibiwajima-cho, Aichi Prefecture. Of 286 participants, 204 were enrolled and analyzed, after excluding those with a visual acuity of less than 0.3, or the activities of daily living (ADL) index of less than 11. In the analysis group, 52 people (25.2%) had already had experience of falls. Two-way analysis of variance showed that intensity of dynamic visual stimulation and the presence or absence of falls had a significant effect on body sway, although no interaction was observed. These results indicate that body sway is increased in those who have experience of falls, and that strong visual stimulation is associated with body sway. This suggests that greater dynamic visual stimulation is likely to increase the risk of falls.