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Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress
Sponsor: Riga Stradins University
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.
Official 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)
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
140
Start Date
2026-01-05
Completion Date
2026-09-30
Last Updated
2026-08-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Head 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.
Cervical 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.
Hand 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.
Quiet 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.
Locations (1)
The Red Cross Medical College of Rīga Stradiņš University
Riga, Latvia, Latvia