From the Research
Weighted vests have shown mixed evidence for therapeutic purposes, and their effectiveness varies by condition and individual needs, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that they may be beneficial for certain conditions, but not others 1. When considering the use of weighted vests for therapeutic purposes, it's essential to evaluate the evidence for each specific condition.
- For older adults, a study published in 2018 found that wearing a weighted vest during a dietary weight loss intervention was feasible and safe, but did not result in significant differences in body composition or physical function compared to a control group 1.
- Another study published in 2000 found that weighted vest use did not result in improvement in multiple domains of strength and function in ambulatory older adults 2.
- A 2012 study found that wearing a weighted vest during daily activities improved agility-related performance in young men, but the effect was small 3.
- A 2009 review of studies on weighted vests for children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities found that the evidence was limited and suggested that weighted vests were ineffective 4.
- A 2013 study found that strategically weighted vests improved ambulation in subjects with Parkinson's disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, but the sample size was small 5.
Overall, the evidence suggests that weighted vests may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as improving agility in young men or ambulation in individuals with neurological disorders, but the effectiveness varies widely depending on the condition, individual needs, and the specific protocol used. Therefore, weighted vests should be used under professional guidance, and the decision to use them should be based on a thorough evaluation of the individual's needs and the available evidence 1.