Weighted and Pressure Garments
Key Points
- Therapeutic garments providing deep pressure and proprioceptive input
- Available in various configurations for different body parts and purposes
- Evidence-based intervention for sensory processing and motor control
- Requires careful assessment and monitoring for optimal outcomes
Core Principles
- Deep pressure stimulation
- Proprioceptive feedback enhancement
- Sensory modulation support
- Motor control facilitation
Types and Specifications
Weighted Garments
- Vests
- Weight distribution: 5-10% body weight
- Adjustable weight pouches
- Breathable materials
- Safety closure systems
- Lap Pads
- Weight options: 2-8 pounds
- Washable covers
- Multiple texture options
- Size variations
- Compression Wraps
- Adjustable pressure levels
- Various sizes and lengths
- Target-specific designs
Pressure Garments
- Full Body Suits
- Compression levels: 15-25 mmHg
- Moisture-wicking fabrics
- Reinforced seams
- Zipper or velcro closures
- Segmental Garments
- Upper extremity sleeves
- Lower extremity leggings
- Trunk/torso compression
- Gloves and socks
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Tactile defensiveness
- Proprioceptive seeking
- Sensory modulation difficulties
- Body awareness deficits
- Neurodevelopmental Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Motor Control Issues
- Postural instability
- Tremor
- Ataxia
Therapeutic Goals
- Sensory Regulation
- Improved attention
- Reduced anxiety
- Enhanced calm state
- Motor Performance
- Postural control
- Movement stability
- Task completion
Implementation Protocols
Assessment Process
- Initial Evaluation
- Sensory profile assessment
- Motor skills evaluation
- Anthropometric measurements
- Medical clearance verification
- Garment Selection
- Type determination
- Size/fit assessment
- Weight/pressure calculation
- Material considerations
Wearing Schedule
- Introduction Period
- Gradual increase in duration
- Activity-specific wearing
- Monitoring protocols
- Maintenance Schedule
- Maximum wearing times
- Rest intervals
- Activity modifications
Monitoring and Outcomes
Safety Monitoring
- Physical Checks
- Skin integrity
- Circulation assessment
- Temperature regulation
- Movement restrictions
- Behavioral Monitoring
- Comfort level
- Fatigue signs
- Emotional responses
Outcome Measures
- Behavioral Assessments
- Attention span
- Task engagement
- Self-regulation
- Motor Performance
- Postural control measures
- Movement quality
- Functional task completion
- Quality of Life Indicators
- Participation levels
- Academic performance
- Social interaction
Contraindications
- Medical Conditions
- Cardiac conditions
- Respiratory problems
- Skin disorders
- Circulatory issues
- Environmental Factors
- High temperature environments
- Limited supervision situations
- Physical activity restrictions
Further Reading
