Control design of vibrotactile stimulation on weighted vest for deep pressure therapy

Abstract

Introduction: This study presents a novel weighted vest integrated with vibrotactile stimulation for deep pressure therapy. Following the principles of Morrison's research, we assessed its effectiveness in calming users with four distinct vibration patterns. Method: Ten male participants without ASD history, aged 19-25 and weighing 48-73 kg, provided subjective evaluations using the Comfort Rating Scale (CRS). Result: Results showed that participants reported increased calmness after using the device, as evidenced by the overall ratings of the "calming" term, with the "down" pattern receiving the highest ratings. The study advocates for future work involving physiological sensors to measure the device's effectiveness objectively. While promising, this innovation has limitations, such as fixed vibration frequency and reliance on an adapter for power. Future iterations could address these issues to enhance the device's portability and customizable vibration frequencies. Conclusion: This research contributes to deep pressure therapy and vibration therapy by focusing on responsive patterns and subjective evaluations, opening doors for future developments.