weight vest

[dlhfeldman]

I am a physician in the US. I am looking for interventions that can help my patients. Has anyone had any experience - good or bad - with weighted garments such as weighted vests or weighted shoes? There is a company called motion therapeutics that offers a weight vest but it is pricey. There is a company that offers a weight vest . I think they are called OTVest.

[wobblybee]

🙂 I tried both vests..at a NAF Convention (I live here in the UK).

The Motion Therapeutic (Balancewear) Vest..didn’t help my balance or stability.

But..the OT Vest made an immediate difference…I felt more stable and grounded.

My basic symptoms are Vestibular, although mobility is affected now too.

I couldn’t decide what to do at the time..so I didn’t buy a Vest..but I know it’s available online.

[dlhfeldman in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you for the feedback. Just curious - if you felt the OT vest was helpful, why not use one? Uncomfortable, expensive, or not sufficiently helpful?

[wobblybee in reply to dlhfeldman]

🤔 At the time, I debated over the cost ( BalanceWear was more expensive).. the fact that it was constructed from Denim. and it was 2017 my symptoms were largely manageable.

I suspect the fabric had to be tough because it needed to support weights across the shoulders.

🤔It’s likely the weights would need adjusting as my condition progressed…that was another consideration once I was back in the UK.

🤔 Either Vest…would have need weights adjusted over time ..

BalanceWear are US based..they aren’t able to support a customer here in the UK..a personal assessment is necessary to adjust their weights.

The OT Vest…’works’ differently and customers can be supported via online assessment.

🙂I admit..I do wonder if I should actually try the OT VEST..

[dlhfeldman in reply to wobblybee]

I have alocal seamstress who makes weighted bras. Very comfortable and can be worn all day under regular garment. I think anywhere form 0.5-4 lbs can be added - maybe more but I think you would have to figure out where to place weights. Her clients just balance an equal amount in front and in back but there are side pockets where weight could be added. It looks like the OTVest just adds weights evenly in a vest?

[wobblybee in reply to dlhfeldman]

🤔 Someone who was specially trained …fitted me with the BalanceWear Vest. She watched me walk wearing the Vest..and then decided which specific weights she would add to the small pockets back and front of the Vest.

I’d be wary of having this done by someone untrained, or just by guessing myself.

[dlhfeldman in reply to wobblybee]

I thought the OTVest was more generic? That the vest aleady had weights in place?

[wobblybee in reply to dlhfeldman]

You will see from their web page…

They do have ‘standard sizes of vest and built in recommended weights’

But..they do offer variations as requested

This is an extract taken from the largest size..

‘Fits older children to adults who weigh between 165 to 250 pounds with chest measurement from 42" up to 52" (vest measures 54") and whose collar to waist measurement is about 17" to 25". NOTE: for those with movement disorders, 6 lbs. of weight may be too much and we can customize with 4 lbs. of weight. Please email us at [e-mail] to discuss your particular needs regarding movement disorders).’

🙂 This link is interesting…

Stable walking for people with

balance problems

BalanceBelt – freedom in every step you take

balancebelt.net/en/?

[dlhfeldman in reply to wobblybee]

Are your balance issues consistent - ie do you always fall toward the same direction?

[wobblybee in reply to dlhfeldman]

🤔 Generally…I fall to the side, or backwards.

I have a diagnosis of Idiopathic Cerebellar Ataxia, linked to Vestibular Issues.

[Libra7]

I bought a weighted denim vest ( can’t remember which one) a few years ago from US. It was expensive and more so because of the import tax. I found it made no difference to my balance problem and was uncomfortable to wear because of the weights. I would have persevered with it despite it not being an attractive fashion item if I felt it improved my stability and balance. I would not recommend.

[dlhfeldman]

Do you think it might have been the OTVest? I am trying to figure out if it is the actual weight that helps or if it is proprioception input from the weight. I always assumed that actual weight would help with balance but I see some of the explanations talk about proprioception input.

[wobblybee]

The OT VEST…works on a totally different principle to the BalanceWear Vest.

Re an ataxia diagnosis…the OT VEST is more appropriate for someone coping with Vestibular issues.

This applies to me..and it definitely helped me feel ‘grounded’….which is what I wanted. At the time (2017) mobility was reasonably good..although I was using a walking stick for safety.

This vest is not appropriate for help with general ataxia imbalance.

Some people diagnosed with ataxia are devotees of the BALANCEWEAR VEST…but it is down to ‘trial and error’…it doesn’t benefit everyone.