MAT & Features

I.          HISTORY

For more than a decade, an adjunct professor, Mary Ann Wharton, placed masking tape on the laboratory floor to teach students several geriatric activities where the tape remained on the floor for 2-3 months.  During this time, the tape became dirty and increasingly adherent to the floor.  Annually, the housekeeping staff encountered the challenge of removing the tape from the floor prior to cleaning and waxing.  Several years ago, the wax was applied to the floor without removing the tape.  As a result, a better way was sought to replace putting tape on the floor.  Additionally, I have witnessed the decline of mobility in family members (mother, father-in-law and uncle) and have researched literature on this subject which resulted in the development of the Mobility Assessment Tool (MAT).

 

II.         DESIGN/FABRICATION

• Material required a quality to store rolled but unroll and become flat easily.

• Projection screen material (White, matte finish)

• 1/16 inch thick, two sizes (168 inches (14 ft.) and 252 inches (21 ft.))

• Borders 1.5 inches wide, painted black in color

• Measurement numbers 3 inches tall, painted black in color

• Measurement numbers in feet and meters

 

III.        STORAGE/TRANSPORT

• Shipping in a box (Dimensions: width: 8 inches X height: 6 inches X length: 52 inches)

• Rolled around a cardboard tube

• 44 inch long of 1 ½ inch PVC with end caps

• Plano Guide Series Airliner Model #4588 (3.5 pounds) 14 foot MAT weighs 10 pounds, 21 foot MAT weighs 12 pounds 

 

IV.       EQUIPMENT

• Stationary Chair 18” height (45-46 cm) with armrests 25.6 inches (65 cm)

• Stop watch

• 4 canes or 4 pieces of ¾ inch PVC ($1.56-$1.99, 10 foot piece) for 4 golf club tubs 

($1.49-$1.99 each)

• Plastic cones $4.49 (set of 4) and/or plastic disc cones $3.79 (set of 4)

            

            *MAT can be used for both assessment and treatment 

 

 

V.         CLEANING

            In general: Keep the screen surface rolled up in its protective case when not in use.  This protects not    only against dirt, dust, smoke, etc.  Before rerolling, examine the surface front and back to make sure it          is free of any foreign matter that might stain or mar the surface.

 

            The Matte White fabric may be cleaned using a very light stroke with art gum or a very soft brush.  If     necessary, the surface may be washed with a very mild soap and water and a very soft cloth or sponge.  Use very little water.  Do not allow it to soak the fabric.  It is difficult to avoid streaking so care should           be exercised.  Do not use solvents.  If this fails, replace the fabric.

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            **MAT price is comparable to other assessment products

 

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