INTRODUCTION
Arthrogryposis is a congenital condition which results in decreased range of motion due to joint
contractures. The number of affected joints and the severity of contractures can vary wildly from person
to person. Figure 2 shows some common manifestations of arthrogryposis in a child. As a result of their
limited range of motion, people with arthrogryposis typically do not have very strong muscles in regions
near an affected joint. This combination of limited range of motion and lack of strength causes people with
arthrogryposis to have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as getting dressed and undressed. See
Appendix A: Background Research Summary for more information on arthrogryposis.
Figure 2: Symptoms of arthrogryposis
Our user, under the pseudonym Elsa, is an eight-year-old girl with Arthrogryposis. In particular, Elsa has
a limited range of motion in her shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, and legs. Refer to Appendix B: Client
Interview Summary and Appendix C: User Observation Summary for more details on Elsa's particular
condition. Due to the limited function in her legs, Elsa uses a wheelchair. Figures 3 and 4 show examples of
Elsa’s range of motion.
Figure 3: Elsa reaching down to touch her toes
Figure 4: Elsa raising her arm as high as she can
Elsa’s limited strength and range of motion makes it so she is unable to put on or take off a shirt on her
own with the systems currently available to her. We worked together with Meghan O’Donnell, Elsa’s
occupational therapist, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) to design a product that would
allow Elsa to put on a take off a shirt independently (see Appendix D: Project Definition for more detailed
requirements for this project).
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