Weighted Blankets for Special Children: A Randomized Crossover Trial Investigating Effects on Dental Anxiety and Physiological Responses

INTRODUCTION: Dental anxiety poses a major challenge in managing children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), often exacerbated by sensory sensitivities. Weighted blankets, through deep touch pressure (DTP) stimulation, are believed to reduce stress via parasympathetic activation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of weighted blankets in reducing dental anxiety in children with mild IDD. METHODOLOGY: A randomized crossover trial was conducted on 42 children (aged 6-14 years) with mild IDD. Custom-made weighted blankets (10% of body weight, filled with kitchen grains) were used. Participants attended two appointments 1 month apart-Group 1 received the blanket first, while Group 2 served as control, with roles reversed in the second visit. Physiological (pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and behavioral (Venham's Anxiety Rating Scale) parameters were recorded at baseline and during Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). RESULTS: Use of weighted blankets significantly reduced anxiety and physiological markers across both groups. Group 1 showed reductions in systolic/diastolic pressure (1.99/1 mmHg), pulse rate (4 bpm), improved oxygen saturation (+2.99%), and decreased anxiety scores (0.99). Group 2 showed similar trends when the blanket was introduced. CONCLUSION: Weighted blankets offer a safe, non-pharmacological option to manage dental anxiety in children with mild IDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration - Indian was done (CTRI/2023/06/054290) dated 26/06/2023.