[Arm laboratory for the severly affected arm after stroke: concept and first results]

The aim of the arm laboratory is to intensify the treatment of the moderately to severely affected upper limb (UE) after stroke. It includes five workstations, sharing a bilateral distal approach. Stroke patients practiced with two devices, the selection depended on the grade of paresis, 30 to 50 minutes every workday for 2 to 3 weeks. Two therapists treated a mean of 22.9 patients per day. Relevant side effects did not occur, the patients were content, and UE function improved considerably. In conclusion, the arm laboratory is an interesting option; a controlled study is warranted.