The PPS and stress reduction intervention

The program is based on the working method of the unconscious brain: measure, reflect, act, and control (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: The Intervention: The intervention is based on the four working steps of the unconscious brain: measure, reflect, act, and control.

In order to ensure a fully evidence-based and clinically relevant reduction of an elevated PPS measurement prior to the public introduction of the PPS measurement, a special intervention program has been developed and subsequently tested in clinical trials. This treatment method (the Ballegaard Stress Care Program®) is a multifaceted self-care program. The aim is to maintain a low PPS measurement or to reduce the PPS measurement if elevated.

The person receives a one-to-one introduction to the use of the instrument, to the interpretation of the results of the measurement, and to the actions one can take accordingly. In addition, the person has a personal web journal for daily recording of the measurements.

The daily mandatory intervention program includes morning and evening home Stressmeter® measurements and finger-induced sensory nerve stimulation on specific points on the body surface (neuromodulation). The Stressmeter® home measurements are used as a cognitive guide for behavioral adjustment in daily life as well as an assessment guide for the effects of the used personal life management efforts. Free of choice elements of the program include diet changes and a broad range of supplementary physical, mental, and cognitive exercises, which may be used according to need and personal preference. At the end of each day, the person will monitor the results of the accumulative stress burden and stress management efforts of that day.

The ongoing self-monitoring, which includes the recording and tracking of personal data shared with a professional adviser, allows ongoing professional guidance according to need.

It should be underlined that theBallegaard Stress Care Program®can be combined with any medical or non-medical intervention and that the results of any significant event, effort, or intervention can be measured.