Assessing the calming effects of a self-regulated inflatable vest: an evaluation based on Visual Analogue Scale and Electroencephalogram

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the subjective acceptability and physiological response of an inflatable vest as a wearable device to stimulate calming effects. Methods: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used as a subjective measurement and an electroencephalogram (EEG) as an objective/physiological measurement. Results: The results showed that the subjective scores of 30 male participants rated the prototype as an ‘excellent’ device, with an average score of 81. An increase in the theta (4–8 Hz) frequency band was the most noticeable change in EEG, which represented the calming effect behavior experienced in 64% of all participants. Conclusion: The self-regulated inflatable vest could be beneficial for therapeutic purposes by inducing a calming effect.