Figure 3: The PPS measurement device, the Stressmeter®

The Stressmeter® is a simple and effective device for measuring an individual’s present physiological stress level as well as the function of their autonomic nervous system function (see Figure 3). The instrument is developed on the basis of 20 years of clinical experience with stress treatment in patients with cardiovascular disease or cancer as well as in the general working population. The device was developed in cooperation with the Technical University of Denmark and the Danish engineering firm IPU Technology Development. The Danish Health Authorities has characterized the instrument as a non-medical device. The device and its measurement method are fully covered by patents owned by Ballegaard Stress Care®.

When the level of activity of the sympathetic nervous system, a part of the autonomic nervous system, is increased, the sensitivity of a biological sensor on the chest bone is increased, which can be observed as an increased tenderness. This tender area is connected to the hypothalamus' regulation of the autonomic nervous system with a complex feedback mechanism.

Using the Stressmeter®, the degree of tenderness is measured in a simple procedure that most people can learn to manage themselves. The Stressmeter® detects how much pressure the sore point can endure until the pain threshold is reached. The limit is determined by the individual stopping when his or her pain threshold is reached.

The PPS (Pressure Point Sensitivity) measurement device, the Stressmeter®, is an algometer that transforms the pressure applied into a logarithmic scale of sensitivity levels from 30 to 100. The value of 100 equals the highest measurable level of sensitivity, whereas the value of 30 equals the lowest measurable level of sensitivity. An increase in 30 PPS units equals a 100% increase in sensitivity. PPS measurements as shown on the instrument are converted into kilogram pressure per square centimeter measurement pad (e.g., the pad used is 2 cm2), and this is converted to SI units (kPa) (i.e., 1 kg/cm2 = 98 kPa). PPS value of 30 = 7,5 kg/cm2 and PPS of 100 = 0,5 kg/cm2.