This paper presents the results of a concurrent, nested, mixed methods exploratory study on the safety and effectiveness of the use of a 30 lb weighted blanket with a convenience sample of 32 adults. Safety is investigated measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse oximetry, and effectiveness by electrodermal activity (EDA), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-10 and an exit survey. The results reveal that the use of the 30 lb weighted blanket, in the lying down position, is safe as evidenced by the vital sign metrics. Data obtained on effectiveness reveal 33% demonstrated lowering in EDA when using the weighted blanket, 63% reported lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality. The results of this study will be used to form the basis for subsequent research on the therapeutic influence of the weighted blanket with adults during an acute inpatient mental health admission.
2745
Views
8
CrossRef citations
Altmetric
be0ef6915d1b2200a248b7195d01ef22
Original Articles
Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket
Brian Mullen BS University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA , Tina Champagne MEd, OTR/L Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Department , 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, USA , Sundar Krishnamurty PhD University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA , Debra Dickson APRN, BC Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Department , 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, USA & Robert X. Gao PhD University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
Brian Mullen BS University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA , Tina Champagne MEd, OTR/L Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Department , 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, USA , Sundar Krishnamurty PhD University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA , Debra Dickson APRN, BC Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Department , 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, USA & Robert X. Gao PhD University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering—ELAB Building , 160 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
Pages 65-89
Received 03 May 2006
Accepted 08 Dec 2006
Published online: 08 Sep 2008
Original Articles
Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket
People also read
Helena Lindstedt et al.
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
Published online: 2 Sep 2013
book review
BOOK REVIEWOccupational Therapy in Mental Health
Published online: 8 Sep 2008