wireless charging) could interfere with pacemakers and other sensitive electronic devices.
Furthermore, most wheelchairs do not allow external devices to draw power from the battery
(“Power Wheelchairs and User Safety”, AssistGuide Information Services).
Existing Products
People with arthrogryposis typically require assistance to dress or use some type of stationary
device to aid in selfdressing. For example, a ‘dressing tree,’ as shown in Figure 15, may be
attached to the back of a door; a shirt would be placed on hooks and the user would wriggle
through the head hole (Reutter). However, such a device would not be feasible for a user in a
wheelchair.
Figure 15: Selfdressing aid
Source: “Arthrogryposis self dressing!”
Modified clothing is also an option for those who struggle with changing in and out of regular
clothing, including people who have had a stroke and people with arthrogryposis. For example,
modified clothing may have zippers or velcro on the back.
Conclusion
The research demonstrates that arthrogryposis is a condition which manifests in a variety of
forms. Variety also appears in the range of powered wheelchairs. Therefore, during the user
observation, it would be important to take detailed notes and measurements on the user’s range
of motion and abilities while in the wheelchair. This information would provide specifics needed
to progress with defining a mission statement and proceeding with the project.
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