Assessing the calming effects of a self-regulated inflatable vest: an evaluation based on Visual Analogue Scale and Electroencephalogram

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the subjective acceptability and physiological response of an inflatable vest as a wearable device to stimulate calming effects. Methods: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used as a subjective measurement and an electroencephalogram (EEG) as an objective/physiological measurement. Results: The results showed that the subjective scores of 30 male participants rated the prototype as an 'excellent' device, with an average score of 81. An increase in the theta (4-8 Hz) frequency band was the most noticeable change in EEG, which represented the calming effect behavior experienced in 64% of all participants. Conclusion: The self-regulated inflatable vest could be beneficial for therapeutic purposes by inducing a calming effect.