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NCT Number: NCT07272031

Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

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.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The Red Cross Medical College of Rīga Stradiņš University

Riga, Latvia, LV-1007

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Una Veseta, dr paed

CONTACT

[email protected]

+37129172627

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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).

Self-reported regular menstrual cycle (cycle length 21-35 days). Able to attend all scheduled intervention sessions (8 sessions over 4 weeks). Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Current pregnancy or breastfeeding. Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, deep vein thrombosis) or presence of a pacemaker Endocrine or metabolic disorders (e.g., insulin-dependent diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or other thyroid dysfunctions) Active cancer or receiving active cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy) History of major surgery or trauma in the head, neck, or upper extremities within the last 3 months Current diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder) Regular use of medications affecting heart rate or the nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antidepressants, anxiolytics, or asthma inhalers) Current participation in another interventional clinical trial

Treatment and study plan

Head Massage Intervention

Procedure

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

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

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

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.

Primary outcomes

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

    Time frame: Baseline, Periprocedural and Week 4

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

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

Secondary outcomes

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

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

  5. Hand and Shoulder Functionality: Assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire score

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

  6. Acute Pain Intensity Change: Assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score (0-10) in the specific massage area

    Time frame: Periprocedural

  7. Acute Subjective Well-being Change: Assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (0-100 mm) for relaxation, fatigue, and tension

    Time frame: Periprocedural

Other outcomes

  1. Age of Participants

    Time frame: Baseline

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

  2. Smoking Status Categories

    Time frame: Baseline

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

  3. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: Baseline

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

  4. Duration of Sedentary Work Experience

    Time frame: Baseline

    The total duration of sedentary work experience. Years

  5. Family and Parental Status Categories

    Time frame: Baseline

    The classification of participants based on their family and parental status (e.g., Married, Unmarried, With Children, Without Children). Count (Number of Participants per Category)

  6. Total Physical Activity Level (IPAQ)

    Time frame: Baseline

    Total physical activity level score calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) -minutes/week

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Una Veseta, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+37129172627

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riga Stradins University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Three Different 15-Minute Office Massage Types (Head, Cervical Area, Hand) on Autonomic Nervous System Balance and Chronic Stress Reduction Using Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 9, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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