Background and objective: Computerized dynamic posturography using an intentional postural sway task can be used to assess body-leaning ability and postural control ability to prevent falls. Falls are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the recovery of intentional dynamic balance function after intravenous sedation with midazolam in elderly subjects in comparison with that in young subjects. Methods: Midazolam was administered in small, divided doses over 4 to 5 minutes until the Wilson sedation score reached 3 in 20 young and 18 elderly male volunteers. A dynamic limits of stability test, in which subjects leaned their body intentionally as indicated by a cursor moving on a computer screen, was performed before (baseline) and 50, 70, 90, 110, and 130 minutes after administration of midazolam. Results: The changes from baseline values of path sway and movement time 50 minutes after the administration of midazolam in elderly subjects (106.8?101.0 %, 4.6?3.0 seconds; mean?SD) were significantly greater than those (32.9?87.2%, 1.9?2.8 seconds) in young subjects (p=0.024, p=0.008), respectively. Conclusions: The elderly show slower recovery of the intentional dynamic balance function than do young adults after intravenous sedation with midazolam.