NCT Number: NCT07272031
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.
Trial opening soon.
Get Notified18 year and older
Female
Interventional
Not applicable
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Time frame: Baseline, Periprocedural and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Time frame: Periprocedural
Time frame: Periprocedural
Time frame: Baseline
The age of participants calculated from their date of birth. Years
Time frame: Baseline
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, calculated from weight and height. kg/m2
Time frame: Baseline
The total duration of sedentary work experience. Years
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)
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
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Riga Stradins University
Other
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)
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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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