Sand Suit Weighted Vest

The core mechanism of the sand suit lies in providing deep pressure and proprioceptive input. When a child wears the sand suit, the weights evenly distributed across the torso exert continuous, stable pressure on the body's surface and deep tissues. This stimulation acts on the proprioceptors in the muscles, tendons and joints, transmitting signals to the central nervous system. Deep pressure stimulation helps to promote the secretion of serotonin and melatonin whilst suppressing cortisol levels, shifting the autonomic nervous system from a sympathetic-dominant to a parasympathetic-dominant state. This lowers the arousal threshold, helping children transition from a state of hyperactivity, tension or restlessness to a calm and focused state.

In sensory integration training, typical scenarios for using the sensory suit include:

1. Wearing it for 15–20 minutes before desk-based activities to enhance concentration through deep pressure input; suitable for children with attention deficits or poor sitting posture.

2. Wearing it for short periods when children are experiencing emotional fluctuations or sensory overload to help them regulate their arousal level and return to a calm state.

3. Worn during structured physical training to increase proprioceptive feedback, thereby improving body schema and postural control.

4. Worn by children who exhibit pronounced tactile seeking behaviour whilst performing fine motor tasks, to reduce aimless fidgeting and self-stimulatory behaviours.

Tips for use: The weighting should generally be 5–10 per cent of the child's body weight; it is advisable to start with a lower weight and observe the child's response. A single session should be limited to 20–30 minutes, with a cumulative total of no more than 2 hours per day. Before use, ensure the child has no cardiovascular or pulmonary abnormalities or spinal posture issues.