APPENDIX A:
BACKGROUND RESEARCH SUMMARY
Before beginning the design process, we did background research on the terms, conditions, solutions, and
resources provided in the description of the project by our client, Meghan O'Donnell, an occupational
therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). The goal of the project is to design a compact
device that would allow a child with Arthrogryposis to put on a shirt independently. People with limited
joint flexion due to arthrogryposis often have difficulty performing everyday tasks independently. Our
background research helped us to begin to understand several of the different aspects of the problem,
enabling us to ask useful and specific question at our client interview. Our background research covered the
following categories:
• Symptoms, capabilities, and limitations due to the condition
• Current power wheelchair capabilities
• Existing systems which aid in the self-dressing process
• Psychological factors that may impact the direction of the design
PHYSIOLOGY OF ARTHROGRYPOSIS
Arthrogryposis is a congenital condition in which some or all joints have contractures. These contractures
lead to reduced flexion in the affected joints which can make daily activities difficult to perform
independently. In addition to joint contractures, the muscles in the surrounding area tend to be weak,
missing, or underdeveloped. It is not uncommon for extra tissue to grow around the joints, causing further
loss of flexion. Arthrogryposis is not a progressive condition, instead the condition generally results from
Fetal Akinesia (lack of movement in the womb) and joint mobility can be improved with therapy and time
(“What is Arthrogryposis”). Figure 18 shows some common physiological effects of arthrogryposis.
Figure 18: Physiological effects of arthrogryposis
The severity of joint contractures and the joints affected in children with arthrogryposis varies greatly. In
our case, our user uses a powered wheelchair for mobility due to limited lower body strength and range of
motion. She also has limited range of motion in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers as well as weak
core muscles.
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