Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

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)

Overview

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

• Procedure 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.
• Procedure 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.
• Procedure 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.
• Other 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.

Primary outcome measures

• Change from Baseline in Morning Resting Heart Rate Variability (rMSSD) at 4 Weeks [Time frame: Baseline, Periprocedural and Week 4]
• Change from Baseline in Perceived Stress Level (PSS-10 Score) at 4 Weeks [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]

Secondary outcome measures (7)

• Sleep Quality: Assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]
• General Self-Efficacy: Assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]
• Emotional Well-being: Assessed using the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]
• Neck Functional Limitation: Assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]
• Hand and Shoulder Functionality: Assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4]
• Acute Pain Intensity Change: Assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score (0-10) in the specific massage area [Time frame: Periprocedural]
• Acute Subjective Well-being Change: Assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (0-100 mm) for relaxation, fatigue, and tension [Time frame: Periprocedural]

Eligibility criteria

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.

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Non-randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Single blind

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07272031 · OM_HRV_2025_RCMC

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗