Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Functioning and Mood State, Occupational Health, Stress
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
PROCEDUREHead Massage Intervention
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.
PROCEDURECervical Area Massage Intervention
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.
PROCEDUREHand Massage Intervention
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.
OTHERQuiet Rest Control
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.
Sponsors
Riga Stradins University
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change from Baseline in Morning Resting Heart Rate Variability (rMSSD) at 4 Weeks | Baseline, Periprocedural and Week 4 |
| Change from Baseline in Perceived Stress Level (PSS-10 Score) at 4 Weeks | Baseline and Week 4 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Sleep Quality: Assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score | Baseline and Week 4 |
| General Self-Efficacy: Assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) score | Baseline and Week 4 |
| Emotional Well-being: Assessed using the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) score | Baseline and Week 4 |
| Neck Functional Limitation: Assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score | Baseline and Week 4 |
| Hand and Shoulder Functionality: Assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire score | Baseline and Week 4 |
| Acute Pain Intensity Change: Assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score (0-10) in the specific massage area | Periprocedural |
| Acute Subjective Well-being Change: Assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (0-100 mm) for relaxation, fatigue, and tension | Periprocedural |
Countries
Latvia
Contacts
CONTACTUna Veseta, PhD
Outcome results
None listed