The SAS MAT is an instructional exercise mat designed by a physiotherapist to help people learn the specific exercises commonly taught by therapists to avoid falls. These exercises strengthen the legs and improve balance and agility. They have been proven in numerous trials to reduce falls risk markedly and are included in evidence-based falls prevention programs worldwide.
These exercises can be difficult to learn accurately as small changes in the direction of a movement can result in the wrong muscles being targeted. The colourful footprints, dots and lines overcome this and enable accurate exercise technique every time.
Anna Stackpool is an Aged Care physiotherapist, based in Sydney, Australia. She has a special interest in Falls Prevention and enabling older people to remain independent through maximising their strength, agility and stability (or balance). This mat has been designed to facilitate this goal enabling the client to work well at home, or with their therapist, doing their exercises efficiently and accurately.
Please contact Anna if you would like the mat presented at your organisation.
Stability comes from good balance. Balance tends to deteriorate with age, not because of age but because we stop testing, or using, it. Good balance can be achieved with regular practice using the SAS MAT. Better balance will improve confidence.
When balance is tested, agility is required to react quickly to regain stabilty. This agility comes with improved mobility and strength gained using the SAS Mat.
Strong muscles will provide support to painful joints, improve walking patterns and improve reaction time to help stop a potential fall. Strong leg muscles will ensure standing from a chair is easy and assist in maintaining independence.
