The concept of weighted garment therapy is based on the Sensory Integration therapy technique of deep pressure. Deep pressure is often used to assist a child to learn to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimuli can be processed. The use of a weighted item provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.Children who are easily distracted, hyperactive, hypoactive or lacking in concentration can respond positively to the additional weight a weighted item provides.

Although there is limited research in the area of weighted garment therapy, many therapists have found the weighted vest may assist with reflex maturity, body position awareness and coordination, balance, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and hearing and speaking skills. Because of these anecdotal outcomes, many therapists working with children are recommending the use of a weighted vest and other weighted therapy.