Key result
Deep pressure stimulation using a 30 lb weighted blanket was safe and lowered anxiety in 63% of adults, with 33% demonstrating lowered electrodermal activity.
Why the study?
Does deep pressure stimulation using a 30 lb weighted blanket safely reduce anxiety in adults?
Does deep pressure stimulation using a 30 lb weighted blanket safely reduce anxiety in adults?
A 30 lb weighted blanket is safe and preferred as a calming modality by the majority of adults, with potential to reduce anxiety.
May support weighted blankets as adjunctive anxiety tool in adults; leaves open need for RCTs to confirm efficacy.
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.
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Mullen et al. (2008) studied this question. Weighted blanket was evaluated on Safety (blood pressure, pulse rate, pulse oximetry) and effectiveness (electrodermal activity, State Trait Anxiety Inventory-10, exit survey). Deep pressure stimulation using a 30 lb weighted blanket was safe and lowered anxiety in 63% of adults, with 33% demonstrating lowered electrodermal activity.
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