About Balance Metrix
Who we are and what we do
Balance Metrix is an Australian business established in 2022 to market the Balance Mat – a breakthrough in balance measurement. Thanks to this novel technology, for the first time there is actually a measure of balance ability, with balance testing results provided instantly in the form of a graph and score. The technology enables practitioners to test patients’ balance in minutes using real-time Australian technology. Results are recorded in the Balance Mat test results system for comparison over time.
The world-first Balance Mat systems we supply enable allied health and medical professionals to test people’s balance in a sequence of 20-second tests. Clients are asked to stand as still as they can on a lightweight computerised floor mat with their arms by their sides. Results are displayed on a computer or laptop connected to the internet and saved online in the Balance Mat test results system. The technology classifies people into low, medium and high postural sway categories, equating to low, medium and high falls risk.
In 2025 we mounted the Better Balance Initiative under the leadership of renowned sport scientist, educator and strength and conditioning coach Dr Trevor Clark. Balance Metrix is aiming to match ten exercise physiology / physiotherapy partners with ten residential aged care facilities or community centres in their local areas. You can find more information about our Better Balance Initiative on the Partners page of this website.
For the first time, in 2025 we began to offer balance testing services to aged care providers and doctors as part of their falls risk mitigation strategies. These balance testing services are charged at $32 excl. GST per head. You can book balance testing for an initial group of ten people on our Shop page or via margaret@balancemetrix.com.au.
Who makes the Balance Mat?
The Balance Mat is made by Canberra company Balance Mat Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of public unlisted company Perimeter Security Industries International Ltd. Balance Metrix sells the Balance Mat under licence from Balance Mat Pty Ltd.
Who developed the Balance Mat?
Balance Mat Pty Ltd Managing Director and Balance Metrix Principal Ian Bergman is the named inventor on the Balance Mat patent. Since April 2016, Ian has spearheaded the research and development (R&D) of the technology into the patented balance testing products that are available for subscription and purchase today.
The Balance Metrix business is managed by Ian’s partner, Margaret Metz. As well as owning the Balance Metrix business based in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Ian is also managing director of Balance Mat Pty Ltd, the Canberra-based company that manufactures the Balance Mat, owns the intellectual property, drives research and development (R&D) and provides technical support to Balance Mat users.
While the mission of Balance Metrix is to enable clients to provide nuanced healthcare, the Balance Mat Pty Ltd mission is to help community members live well longer through balance measurement combined with expert-led exercise and reablement interventions.
Together we are Team Balance!
R&D milestones
Six and a half years in the making, the research and development or “R&D” of the Balance Mat has included 2,000 balance tests of more than 500 patients by Balance Mat Pty Ltd Innovation Partner Dr Phil Ewart at his Hastings Medical Centre surgery in Wauchope, New South Wales, which was also the site of the official launch on 18 January 2022 by Dr David Gillespie MP, Member for Lyne and formerly Australia’s Regional Minister for Health.
Other major milestones were TGA approval as a Class 1 medical device in December 2021 and validation by the University of Canberra’s Dr Maryam Ghahramani in October 2022 and Edith Cowan University’s Dr Isaac Selva Raj in July 2023.
During the R&D phase Balance Mat Pty Ltd also collaborated with the Council on the Ageing (COTA ACT and COTA SA), the University of Canberra, RMIT University and Edith Cowan University to develop this world-first Australian balance testing system.
