Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

Riga Stradins University

Status: Not yet enrolling

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

Treatments: Procedure: Hand Massage Intervention; Procedure: Cervical Area Massage Intervention; Other: Quiet Rest Control; Procedure: Head Massage Intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07272031

OM_HRV_2025_RCMC

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 140 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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140 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Head Massage

Active Comparator group

Description:

Duration and Frequency: 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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Head Massage Intervention

Cervical Area Massage

Active Comparator group

Description:

Duration and Frequency: 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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Cervical Area Massage Intervention

Hand Massage

Active Comparator group

Description:

Duration and Frequency: 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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Hand Massage Intervention

Quiet Rest Control

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Duration and Frequency: 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:

Other: Quiet Rest Control