Stabilometry has recently become recognized as a useful way to evaluate human standing ability. However, the clinical evaluation of each parameter and its normal range in different age groups have not yet been determined.
The test, which was recommended by the Japan Equilibrium Research Association in 1983, was applied to 300 normal subjects in this study. Each subject was asked to stand in Romberg's posture on a force plate for one minute with eyes open and for one minute with eyes closed. The mean values, their standard deviations and the upper limits of the normal ranges of total length of movement of the center of gravity, sway area and maximum width of lateral and antero-posterior body sway, were obtained in male and female subjects of different ages.
It was statistically confirmed that the mean values in those over 60 years of age were larger than the values in younger groups. The frequency analysis of body sway showed a tendency towards increased amplitude in the frequency range less than 2Hz and decreased amplitude in the frequency range between 5 and 10Hz in the older group.
