If you’ve been following our content for a while, you should be familiar with our Bounce Program for fatigue management…There’s a good chance you have referred clients to it too!
After its inception in 2021, we are now celebrating 200 referrals to the Bounce Program. Milestones like these provide an opportunity to take a step back to look at the data – and the profound impact that the program has had on many of our clients’ lives.
What’s The Secret Sauce?
Okay, so our secret sauce is not so secret… We’ve long been vocal advocates for the use of heart rate variability (HRV) technology in the fatigue management space – and for good reason! The results speak for themselves to demonstrate the value of having this window of insight into the autonomic nervous system. It’s not just anecdotal; research continues to reinforce HRV as an objective measure of fatigue across different conditions, from long COVID and cancer-related fatigue to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) (check out some of the research here!). By integrating HRV tracking into our approach, we can fine-tune our interventions to work within our clients’ energy envelope, helping them pace effectively, prevent crashes, and take control over their recovery.
A Glimpse Inside the Bounce Program
Our Bounce Program is thoughtfully designed to guide participants from foundational education to real-world application, empowering them for independent management at the end of the 12 weeks.
The program begins with an introduction to fatigue management strategies and data collection, including using a Smart Watch and HRV monitor to track biometric data. Participants learn about task scheduling and how to identify when to push themselves and when to rest.
With this under their belt, the program shifts towards guiding participants to manage their energy expenditure, physical activity, and sleep. Objective data is used to guide decisions around activity levels, and regular reviews ensure the plan stays on track.
As the program nears completion, participants are encouraged to assess their progress, reflect on what worked, and consolidate the strategies that will allow them to continue independently.
Empowering Clients to Take Control
Fatigue can often feel unpredictable and overwhelming, leaving clients struggling to manage their daily routines and energy levels. However, with the right strategies in place, clients can take control of their fatigue and learn to work with it, not against it.
By coupling HRV data with activity and symptom tracking, clients have the information they need to make informed choices to manage their energy effectively. It’s true that knowledge is power! Having a clearer understanding of their nervous system response to activity (and daily life) allows them to take back the reins for their recovery. This shift not only improves their physical well-being, but also enhances their emotional resilience, builds empowerment, and creates a foundation for ongoing self-management.
Outcomes: Real Results for Real People
So is the program actually making a difference? Clients completing the Bounce Program report:
- A 29% increase in self-rated physical activity levels, with this continuing to increase by another 10% at 6 months post-program,
- A 37% increase in self-rated energy levels, with this increasing another 5% at 6 months post-program,
- A 25% improvement in fatigue ratings, with this improving another 3% at 3 months post-program (and then remaining there after 6 months post)
- A 54% increase in perceived ability to self-manage their condition after the program, which increased another 5% at 3 months post-program
- A 57% increase in perceived ability to identify booming and busting patterns
Why This Matters for Insurers
When clients are equipped with the knowledge and strategies to manage their symptoms proactively, they gain a sense of ownership over their health. As active participants in their recovery, they build confidence and motivation to continue with the positive changes even after the program ends. By boosting self-management, we see fewer medical interventions, a reduced likelihood of relapse, and lower long-term costs.
But Don’t Just Take It From Us!
Here’s what a few of our clients had to say…
“I am so grateful for the support provided to get me back on my feet (literally). I’m now doing a gradual return to work, currently doing 23 hours/week. The education and support I received, along with a gentle nudge occasionally when I didn’t think I could do it, was amazing. I would recommend the Bounce program to anyone who’s willing to put in the work.”
“I was initially skeptical but the HRV score gave a usually accurate insight into my physical capability for the day. Coupled with the activity and sleep tracking, it helped me to identify when I was booming and busting.”
“The science of the HRV and other related information is something I will continue with moving forward. If you feel like you have more control with a science/data-based approach, your quality of life and normalcy is greater.”
“The Bounce program did a great job of visually showing me how my body responds to different types of stress. I had no idea how much certain cognitive tasks impacted my energy levels. I am now in a much better spot to plan my days.”
“I’ve finished the program excited about my future and my health, which I’ve not been for a number of years. Brilliant!”
With 200 referrals and counting, Bounce continues to change lives. Want to see these results for your clients? Get in touch today!
Author: Yolanda van Vugt
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