Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

ConditionsOccupational Health Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Functioning and Mood State Stress

Trial statusRecruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexFemale

Age18+

SponsorRiga Stradins University

About this trial

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate which of three short office massage types (head, neck/shoulder area, or hand) is most effective for reducing chronic stress in women who perform sedentary office work.

Many sedentary female office employees experience long-term tension and work-related strain, which can affect the body's ability to recover. The investigators are testing whether a 15-minute massage, performed twice a week for four weeks, can help restore balance within the body.

The investigators will evaluate the impact of these massages using Heart Rate Variability (HRV)-an objective measure that shows how well the body manages stress (autonomic nervous system balance)-as well as analyzing participants' self-reported levels of perceived stress, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Participants receiving massage will be compared to a control group engaging in quiet rest.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

None

Disqualifiers

None

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Head Massage Intervention
Procedure/Surgery
15 minutes per session, 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks (8 sessions total). Focus: Massage focuses on the scalp, temples, and auricles (outer ear) with the aim of stimulating cranial nerves, particularly branches of the vagus nerve. The procedure is performed by a licensed massage therapist while the participant is seated in an office chair.
Cervical Area Massage Intervention
Procedure/Surgery
15 minutes per session, 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks (8 sessions total). Focus: Deep tissue and kneading massage techniques applied primarily to the trapezius muscles, levator scapulae, and sub-occipital region (neck/shoulders). The procedure is performed by a licensed massage therapist while the participant is seated in an office chair.
Hand Massage Intervention
Procedure/Surgery
15 minutes per session, 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks (8 sessions total). Focus: Compression, rubbing, and stroking techniques applied to the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the hands, fingers, and wrists. The procedure is performed by a licensed massage therapist while the participant is seated in an office chair.
Quiet Rest Control
Other intervention
Participants are seated in the same office chair for a structured 15-minute period, 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks (8 sessions total). Focus: Participants are instructed to sit quietly, avoid work-related activity, and refrain from using electronic devices. This arm controls for the effect of researcher attention and time spent away from work.

Treatment groups

140 Participants

are divided into 4 treatment groups

Group A: Head MassageActive comparator 1 intervention

Group B: Cervical Area MassageActive comparator 1 intervention

Group C: Hand MassageActive comparator 1 intervention

Group D: Quiet Rest ControlPlacebo comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Change from Baseline in Morning Resting Heart Rate Variability (rMSSD) at 4 Weeks

Time frame

Baseline, Periprocedural and Week 4

Change from Baseline in Perceived Stress Level (PSS-10 Score) at 4 Weeks

Time frame

Baseline and Week 4

Secondary outcomes

Sleep Quality: Assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score

Time frame

Baseline and Week 4

General Self-Efficacy: Assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) score

Time frame

Baseline and Week 4

Emotional Well-being: Assessed using the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) score

Time frame

Baseline and Week 4

Neck Functional Limitation: Assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score

Time frame

Baseline and Week 4

Other outcomes

Age of Participants

The age of participants calculated from their date of birth. Years

Time frame

Baseline

Smoking Status Categories

The classification of participants' smoking status (e.g., Current Smoker, Former Smoker, Never Smoker). Count (Number of Participants per Category)

Time frame

Baseline

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index, calculated from weight and height. kg/m2

Time frame

Baseline

Duration of Sedentary Work Experience

The total duration of sedentary work experience. Years

Time frame

Baseline

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Riga Stradins University

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

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