Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between characteristics of the physical function of community-dwelling elderly exhibiting the paradox phenomenon (<1.0) of the Romberg ratio (RR) derived from postural sway tests. [Subjects and Methods] We made assessments of physical function, and surveyed the fall history and feelings of self-efficacy in fall prevention of 211 community-dwelling adults who were independent in daily living activities. The subjects were divided on the basis of a RR of 1.0, and each group’s assessments were compared. [Results] The RR<1.0 group had longer timed up-and-go and 5-meter walking times, and their feelings of self-efficacy in fall prevention were significantly higher than those of the RR≥1.0 group. [Conclusion] A divergence was found between the feelings of self-efficacy in fall prevention of the RR<1.0 group and their physical performance.
