Abstract: ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the vestibular, visual, and somato-sensation on the fall risk in elderly individuals. Methods56 subjects aged 60 or over were measured with the static postural stability and fall risk, including stability index （ST）, the body weight distribution index (WDI) and the fall index (FI) under 4 conditions: standing on solid surface with eyes open （NO），standing on solid surface with eyes closed （NC）， standing on pillows with eyes open （PO），and standing on pillows with eyes closed （PC）. ResultsThe mean of fall index of all subjects was (48.21±26.47). The ST was different among groups, which was PC>PO>NC>NO （P=0.000），but no significant differences were noted between PO and NC groups （P=0.705）. The WDI was not significantly different among the 4 groups (P>0.05）. The FI was correlated with ST （P<0.05）, but not correlated with the WDI（P>0.05）. ConclusionAll of the vestibular, visual, and somato-sensory systems play an important role in the balance, postural stability and falls. The ST is sensitive to evaluate the static balance function and associated with the fall risk in an elderly population. The WDI is not sensitive enough to evaluate the static balance function and fall risk.

Key words: fall, risk, postural stability, vestibular sensation, proprioception, vision, weight distribution, elderly