A Step Forward in Balance Care: Psychometrics and Usability of the Stability, Agility, Strength (SAS) Mat

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Anna Stackpool1; Katharine Scrivener2,3; Tina Vickery2; Niclas Richter4; Georgia Fisher2.

1. StopFalls Physiotherapy, Sydney, Australia; 2. Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; 3. Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; 4. MQ Health Physiotherapy, Sydney, Austral

Scientific Research

SP - Falls

Falls

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Abstract

Abstract Content -

Background: Tandem stance is a key measure of static balance, yet existing tests often lack standardization, rely on ordinal scoring, and fail to account for upper-limb support, reducing accuracy and sensitivity. The SAS Mat was developed to address these limitations. The Mat can be used as the SAS Measure of tandem balance, and as a balance training tool. This study evaluated its test–retest reliability, convergent validity, acceptability, and feasibility in healthy older adults.

Methods: A convenience sample of 44 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years, with independent mobility (± walking aid) and no severe medical conditions, completed two sessions 4–7 days apart. In Session 1, participants completed the SAS Measure, the Four Stage Balance Test (FSBT), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). In Session 2, participants repeated the SAS Mat assessment and watched a video demonstration of the SAS Mat as a balance training tool. Participants then completed a short survey exploring their perceptions of the SAS Mat as a balance assessment and training tool. Test-retest reliability and concurrent and discriminant validity were measured with Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Descriptive statistics of participant survey results were calculated.

Results: The SAS Measure showed moderate test-retest reliability (r=0.71, p<0.001, 95%CI: 0.51 to 0.83). Convergent validity was good with the FSBT (r = 0.67, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.81) and acceptable with the TUGT (r = –0.42, p = 0.014, 95% CI: –0.64 to –0.14). Most participants rated SAS Measure as “completely acceptable” (90%, 37/41) and felt confident during assessment (98%, 40/41). A majority believed SAS Mat training would improve balance (79%, 33/42) and expressed confidence in home use for balance training (88%, 37/42).

Conclusion: The SAS Mat is a promising assessment and training tool for balance. Future research should investigate its effectiveness as a balance training intervention.