Implementation of Weighted/Compression Vest Protocol

Implementation of Weighted/Compression Vest Protocol in the School Setting to Maximize Self-Regulation.
Rachel DeCarie, MOT, OTR/L; Dr. Sonia Kay, Ph.D. OTR/L; Rachel Khalifa, M.S. OTR/L; Nicole Wilson, M.S. OTR/L;
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Abstract
Limitations of Previous Research
Method/Protocol
Conclusion
The use of Weighted/Compression Vests is an
intervention strategy that is used by the
occupational therapist (OT) to facilitate
increased attention and emotional regulation.
The vest provides the individual with
continuous proprioceptive input.
Lack of controlled experimental
manipulation:
Student Identification
1. The Sensory Profile School Companion was
given to newly enrolled Baudhuin students.
2. Distribution and use of the
weighted/compression vests was
determined based on the results of the
Sensory Profile School Companion.
3. Collaboration between teacher and OT
occurred to identify one target behavior for
improvement.
4. One week of baseline date was collected on
this behavior.
Expectations of Vest Usage
th
1. At the completion of the 9 week of vest
usage, the classroom teacher will collect
one week of data on the targeted behavior
and then share the original and follow-up
data with the OT.
2. The OT and the teacher will determine if
continued use of the vest will be
recommended.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Studies used an A-B or randomized design.
Small sample size.
No qualifying criteria for wearing the vest.
The duration of all research studies was
fairly short. Studies conducted varied from
3-9 weeks.
5. Studies examined only most common
stereotyped behaviors for children with
autism or pervasive developmental
disorder.
Small
Sample
Previous findings on weighted vests have
shown weighted vests to be ineffective in
decreasing stereotypical behaviors (Hodgetts,
Magill-Evans, & Misiaszek, 2011) and off task
behaviors (Collins & Dworkin, 2011). A review
of research articles from 2001-2011, revealed
a number of methodological weaknesses. The
purpose of the current investigation was to
extend the research on the use of weighted
vests in order to implement a protocol on the
use of the weighted/compression vest in the
classroom setting.
Internal
Validity
Threats
Short
Timeframe
Limitations
Research
Design
Only
Common
Behaviors
Explored
No Vest
Usage
Criteria
Weak
independent
Variables
Administer Sensory
Profile
Objectives
The objectives of the study are as follows:
1. Examine the limitations of current literature
2. Develop a criteria to determine which
children would benefit from the use of a
weighted/compression vest.
3. Establish a weighted/compression vest
protocol that can be used consistently to
provide effective results.
4. Establish appropriate goals for the use of the
weighted compression vest.
Implementation of the Vest
1. Five percent of the child’s body weight was
used and was equally distributed to all parts
of the vest.
2. Initially, the student was acclimated to the
vest by wearing it during a highly preferred
and enjoyable activity, for a 10 minute time
period several times a day.
3. The vest was placed on the student 10
minutes before the targeted activity and 20
minutes during the activity, for a total of 30
minutes.
4. The student wore the vest for a maximum of
20-40 minutes; and then removed it for the
same amount of time.
Threats to internal validity:
Changes in behavior were isolated to effects of
the weighted vest and not an unknown variable
for all participants
Identify Target
Behavior to be
Remediated
External validity:
Weak descriptions of independent variables.
Implement Vest
Determine Eligibility
Collect One Week of
Baseline Data
Discussion
The implementation of the weighted
compression vest using a structured protocol
has led to increased consistency and
appropriate use of the weighted/ compression
vest in the school setting. The challenges have
been identifying measurable target behaviors
and consistent implementation of the protocol
across all classrooms. This research is
ongoing and the results of this study are
pending.
References
Ferrel Daly, D., Bedell, G., & Hinojosa, J. (2001) Effects of a weighted
vest on attention to task and self stimulatory behaviors in preschoolers
with pervasive developmental disorders. American Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 55, 629-640
Hodgetts, S. Magill-Evans, J & Misiaszek, J. (2011) Weighted vests,
Stereotyped Behaviors and Arousal in Children with Autism. Journal of
Autism and Developmental disorders. 41:805-814.
Leew, S. V., Stein, N. G. & Gibbard, W. B. (2010). Weighted vests’
effect on social attention for toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77 (2), 113–124.
Collins, A. & Dworkin R.J. (2011). Pilot study of effectiveness of
weighted vests. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65, 688694.