| The present study examinedweighted objects’ influence on mood, speech perception, and attention. Thirty-two adultsand ten children were randomly assigned tocontrol (CG) or sensory (SG) groups.Alltasks were completed twice, before and after an activity. During the activity, the SGwore a weighted shoulder wrap and lap pad,while the CGwore noweights; all participants colored or completeda puzzle. CG adultsshoweda pre-to post-activity decrease in the P1 event-related potential (ERP)peak in response to speech syllables, indicating a decrease in perceptual attention. Thus, the weighted objects might havehelpedsustain SG’s attention. SG adults reported feeling calmer and less nervous post-activity than CG adults, suggestingweights decreased anxiety. The partial samplesof children demonstrated neuraltrends similar to adults.Thus, aweighted activity has the potential to improve mood and attentionin adultsand children. Key Words:sensory processing, speech perception, attention, mood, EEG, ERP, sensory-based activities, proprioceptive activities, weighted objects |