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The effect of shoe instep fixation on elderly people's balance ability was examined using the Index of Postural Stability (IPS). [Participants and Methods] Twelve community-dwelling elderly people stood upright and with their bodies tilting at the maximum in all directions for 10 seconds in each case to measure their centers of plantar pressure using a sway meter. Their IPS values were calculated and compared based on the number of Velcro tapes used for shoe instep fixation. [Results] The IPS value did not vary according to the number of Velcro tapes. On the other hand, the area of stability limit as an IPS component was significantly larger when more Velcro tapes were used.[Conclusion] Shoe instep fixation did not influence elderly people's IPS values, but it was suggested to expand their stability limits.

We investigated whether or not motor ability and functional capacity of community-dwelling elderly living on an isolated island differed between males and females and between age groups. [Subjects and Methods] Using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG Competence) and the motor fitness scale, we conducted a survey of all 73 elderly residents. [Results] Functional capacity of both males and females did not differ between age groups. Motor ability declined with age among females, but not among males. [Conclusion] We speculate that males' motor ability did not decline, because only those with high motor ability had remained on the island, as a decline would have made it difficult for them to perform fisheries work. When conducting a survey of the functional capacity of community-dwelling elderly, the addition of a motor ability survey enhances regional and gender differences.