Appendix B: Background Research
Prior to meeting with the client (an occupation therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of
Chicago) or conducting a user observation, we conducted background research to increase our
understanding of Arthrogryposis. The purpose of this project is to design a system to allow Elsa
to put on and take off her school uniform independently. The purpose of conducting background
research and compiling this appendix was to gain a better understanding of the facts of living
with the condition, to develop a greater degree of empathy for the end user and her family, and to
compile information which would aid us in the brainstorming phase of our project. Our
background research included (1) information about arthrogryposis, (2) effects of a disability on
a person and their family, (3) features and limitations of powered wheelchairs, and (4) existing
products which attempt to address the issue central to our project.
Information about arthrogryposis
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a condition in which a child is born with limited or no
flexibility in their joints, referred to as joint contractures. The severity of arthrogryposis varies
greatly; a person may only have limited flexion in a few joints or every single joints in their body
may be affected to some degree. Commonly affected joints include the shoulders, elbows, hands,
and knees (see Classification below). According to the project description, the user has limited
flexion in her shoulders and elbows. As the user is in a wheelchair, the user likely also has
limited flexion in the joints in her lower body. Figure 12 shows a labeled sketch of a typical baby
with Arthrogryposis.
Figure 12: Typical Baby with Arthrogryposis
Source: “What is Arthrogryposis?”
The primary issue related to arthrogryposis is a severely limited range of motion due to joint
stiffness. Addi [ۘ[ K0