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Pilot Study of Weighted Blankets on Agitation
Summary
Weighted blankets significantly reduced agitation scores in hospitalized patients with neurological trauma. This deep pressure touch stimulation offers a low-risk method to calm patients and may serve as an adjunctive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Hospitalized patients with neurological trauma often experience agitation.
- Interventions are crucial for managing agitation and stress responses.
- Deep pressure touch stimulation from weighted blankets can influence the parasympathetic nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of weighted blankets on agitation scores in hospitalized adults with neurological trauma.
- To assess the potential of weighted blankets as a low-risk intervention for agitation.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental pilot study design was employed.
- Participants experiencing neurological trauma received a 30-minute weighted blanket intervention.
- The Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS) measured agitation before and after the intervention, with each participant serving as their own control.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in Agitated Behavior Scale scores was observed (P = .005).
- Heart rate also showed a significant difference (P = .05).
- No significant changes were noted in blood pressure or oxygen saturation levels.
Conclusions:
- Weighted blankets effectively reduced agitation scores in this pilot study.
- Deep pressure touch stimulation may be a valuable, low-risk intervention for decreasing agitation.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings and explore adjunctive therapy potential.
