Use of Weighted Vests in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate pediatric occupational therapists' general experience and practice with weighted vests and their impressions about whether weighted vests are effective in changing specific behaviors of children with whom they have used weighted vests. A survey was mailed to a random sample of 514 pediatric occupational therapists who belonged to the School-Based Systems Special Interest Section or the Sensory Integration Special Interest Section of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The response rate was 68%. The survey included 43 items which covered therapist opinions, procedures, behavioral observations and knowledge about weighted vests, in addition to demographic information. Respondents who use weighted vests were more likely to have advanced degrees or certifications and more years of experience as pediatric therapists. They reported using weighted vests with preschool and young elementary school-aged children with the diagnoses of autism or attention deficit disorder. Staying on task, staying in seat and attention span were the most common behaviors that therapists reported improving when weighted vests were used.

Brief Report: Effects of Pressure Vest Usage on Engagement and Problem Behaviors of a Young Child with Developmental Delays

“…Finally, the measurement of the effects immediately after beginning to wear the vest, while consistent with our anecdotal observations of pressure vest use, might not be consistent with all applications of the therapy. The lack of practice guidelines for SI techniques needs to be addressed (Olson and Moulton 2004). Future studies should also examine other aspects associated with the use of therapeutic vests including the possibility of peer stigmatization and pain or awkwardness due to the pressure of the vest.…”

“…Theoretically, SI should aid in the processing (intake) and regulation of sensory information, and result in increases attention and adaptive behaviors and reductions in problem or stereotypic behaviors. Treatment often includes providing deep pressure in the form of a massage (Escalona et al 2001;Field et al 1997), weighted vests (Cox et al 2009;Fertel-Daly et al 2001;Kane et al 2004Kane et al -2005Reichow et al in press), pressured vests, or weighted blankets (see Olson and Moulton 2004). Despite the popularity of SI in practice, empirical support is scarce and often plagued by weak experimental designs and poor fidelity (Parham et al 2007).…”

“…Although the use of therapeutic vests, including pressure vests, is common (Olson and Moulton 2004), only one empirical study examining the effects of a pressure vest was located. In this study the relation between a pressure vest and the self stimulatory behaviors of an 8-year-old girl with severe developmental delays and autism were examined (Zissermann 1991).…”

Weighted Blankets and Sleep in Autistic Children—A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…6,7 Weighted blankets are often recommendedbyprofessionalswhoworkwithyoung peoplewithASD toassistwithcalmingand relaxation, as well as to assist with sleeping. 8,9 The theory underlying the reasons for using weighted blankets and other weighted items for calming purposes is based on sensory integration. 10 It is hypothesized that the deep pressure and more consistent sensory input provided by weighted items reduces the body' s physiologic level of arousal and stress, which might improve sleep.…”

The Use of Weighted Vests with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Disabilities

“…Therapists working within a sensory integrative therapy framework believe that a range of problems, such as inattentiveness and stereotypic behaviors, may be due to over-or under-sensitivity to sensory input. A weighted vest can provide sensory input that is believed to alleviate some of these difficulties (Olson and Moulton 2004b). Specifically, it is argued that wearing weighted vests provides the individual with deep pressure stimulation that has a calming (VandenBerg 2001; Deris et al 2006) and organizing (Deris et al 2006) effect on the central nervous system.…”