The Relationship between Visual Function and Postural Control —Comparison between Elderly Group and Young Group—

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine how changes in the visual system, which are important for posture and balance control, contribute to declining stability as people age. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 11 young people and 11 elderly people. Tests of the visual system were performed on the Equitest system with the use of an eye mask recorder (EMR). The visual field angle of the EMR was 92 degrees, and the calibration distance was 2 m. During sensory organization test 6, participants stood on a swinging floor with a moving wall. [Results] We observed significant differences between the young and elderly groups in postural sway (rectangular area), fixation point duration and pupil diameter. For area of eye movement a significant difference was observed only for the left eye. [Conclusion] In the elderly group, the postural sway increased and eye movements increased. These results may be associated with the body's perceived position according to visual information.