Armstütze

"Armstütze" (German for "armrest" or "arm support") denotes a structural feature designed to support the forearm and elbow of a seated or reclining person. It appears in furniture (chairs, sofas, benches), vehicles (cars, aircraft, trains), medical equipment (wheelchairs, examination tables), and occupational settings (workstations, control consoles).

Functionally, an Armstütze enhances comfort, reduces muscle strain in the shoulders and neck, and helps maintain ergonomic posture. In vehicle and office applications it can also house controls, storage compartments, cup holders, or act as a barrier between seats. In medical contexts specialized arm supports stabilize limbs during treatment, aid rehabilitation, or enable pressure relief for patients with limited mobility.

Design variations include fixed, foldable, retractable, height- and angle-adjustable, padded or hard-surfaced models, and integrated or detachable units. Materials commonly used are foam padding, textiles, leather, plastics, wood, and metal frames. Adjustable and contoured Armstützen are recommended for ergonomic optimization to accommodate different body sizes and tasks.

Care and maintenance depend on materials—upholstery cleaning, inspection of mechanical joints, and lubrication of moving parts prolong service life. Relevant considerations include durability, ease of cleaning in clinical environments, safety (avoidance of pinch points), and compliance with vehicle or workplace standards where applicable. Synonymous German terms include Armlehne and Ellenbogenstütze, while usage and design continue to evolve with advances in ergonomics and adaptive equipment.