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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07755332

Association Between Central Sensitization and the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between central sensitization and resting RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences) in individuals exhibiting prolonged sitting behavior, controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, and body mass index; and to evaluate whether participants, grouped according to sitting durations, differed in terms of RMSSD, central sensitization, balance, and executive cognitive function.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Participants

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Demiroglu Bilim University

Istanbul, Silivri, 34570, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

A sedentary lifestyle is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout society. Particularly in populations associated with prolonged sitting, while the cause of chronic pain is often attributed to mechanical factors, it is emphasized that central sensitization also plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Given the multifaceted effects of central sensitization, heart rate variability (HRV)-a marker of balance, executive function, and autonomic function-gains importance. This study examined the relationship between participants' dynamic balance, Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD)-one of the measurement parameters related to HRV-cognitive executive function, and central sensitization assessments. The findings are intended to shed light on clinical assessment and ergonomic intervention strategies for desk-based workers.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age range: Between 18 and 45 years of age.
  • Sitting time: Having at least 30 hours of sitting time per week.
  • Voluntary participation: Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
  • Cognitive and sensory capacity: Having the cognitive, auditory, and visual capacity to understand the study procedures and perform the tasks.
  • Physical fitness: Not having any physical condition that would prevent the use of the HRV measuring device.

Exclusion criteria

  • Having any cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic disease that interferes with physical activity,
  • Using medications that may affect the autonomic nervous system within the last month,
  • Having a history of cognitive impairment,
  • Having engaged in strenuous exercise or had a febrile illness within the last 24 hours,
  • Having a clinically diagnosed central sensitization syndrome,
  • Being pregnant

Treatment and study plan

No intervention

Other

No intervention

Primary outcomes

  1. Demographic Information Collection

    Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)

    Demographic information of the participants was collected using a participant assessment form developed by the research team. The form collected information about age, height, weight, body mass index, gender, education level, and weekly sitting time.

  2. Assessment of Central Sensitization

    Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)

    Central sensitivity was assessed using the Central Sensitivity Inventory. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

  3. Assessment of Heart Rate Variability

    Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)

    Heart rate variability measurements were recorded at rest for 5 minutes using a Polar H10 device, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology. The device was secured to the lower sternal notch with a belt. The RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences, ms) parameter was used as an indicator of vagal activity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Assessment of Balance

    Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)

    The Y Balance Test was used in the balance assessment. First, leg length was determined. Participants were asked to reach as far as possible in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions with their other foot, while keeping their test foot at the center point. The reach distances were normalized using the formula [(Best reach distance / Leg length) × 100], and the composite balance score was calculated by averaging the results from all three directions.

  2. Assessment of cognitive/executive function

    Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)

    The Verbal Fluency Test was used to assess cognitive/executive function. To measure semantic fluency, the category of animals was used, and the individual was asked to name animals for one minute. For phonemic fluency assessment, the letters 'k, a, s' were selected, and the words spoken using these letters were noted. When calculating the number of correct words, 1 point was given for each word produced according to the instructions.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Demiroglu Bilim University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Association Between Central Sensitization and the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences in Individuals With Prolonged Sitting Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 10, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 10, 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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