Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of static and dynamic balance control ability according to the stability of shoes in elderly woman and female university student. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Six elderly women and seven female university students were recruited for this study. The subject's static and dynamic balance were evaluated while wearing two different types of shoes (comfortable running shoe and masai walking shoe). The BT4 system was used to measure the static (postural sway area and velocity) and dynamic balance (limit of stability on forward, backward and left and right side). The measurement of static and dynamic balance control ability was performed in standing posture wearing comfortable running shoes and masai walking shoes. Results: In the static balance control ability, both female university students and elderly women showed significant increase in postural sway area and velocity when wearing unstable shoes (p<0.05) In addition, in the dynamic balance control ability, both female university students and elderly women showed significant decrease in limit of stability on forward and backward when wearing unstable shoes (p<0.05). Conclusion: In selecting shoes for the elderly, the stability of shoe should be considered for prevention of falls.