Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07272031

Riga Stradins University140 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

140

Conditions

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

Interventions

Head Massage InterventionPROCEDURE

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 InterventionPROCEDURE

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 InterventionPROCEDURE

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 ControlOTHER

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.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Biological females aged 18 years or older. Currently working in an office job with at least 75% of the working day spent sitting (sedentary work). Must report a regular menstrual cycle (cycle length 21-35 days) for at least the past 6 months. Able to attend all scheduled intervention sessions (8 sessions over 4 weeks). Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Use of hormonal contraceptives or other hormone-containing therapies (e.g., Intrauterine Device (IUDs), patches, birth control pills). Pregnancy, current breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period. Menopause (natural or surgically induced). Diagnosis of a severe chronic disease (e.g., heart failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, diagnosed neurological disorder). Active cancer or history of cancer within the last 5 years. Current diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder). Current use of psychotropic medications that could significantly affect Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (e.g., certain beta-blockers, anti-depressants). History of recent surgery (within the last 3 months) in the neck or upper extremities. Participation in another clinical trial simultaneously.

Outcomes