Task priorities and design for an arm orthosis

For people with muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy - conditions characterized by degenerating muscle strength - the option of using a mechanical aid exists. This would allow free arm movement. This paper presents a consumer-based design approach to construction of such an assistive manipulation device and describes the consumer-driven stages in the orthosis design project within the Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories (ASEL). Results are presented from two consumer meetings held during the initial stages of the design. A design principle has been established and an initial set of prototypes evaluated. These will be used to modify subsequent design iterations.