Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

Официальное название

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)

Обзор

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.

Вмешательства

• Процедура 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.
• Процедура 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.
• Процедура 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.
• Другое 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.

Первичные конечные точки

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

Вторичные конечные точки (7)

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

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

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.

Критерии исключения

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.

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Нет

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Нерандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Простое слепое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

Список центров уточняется — проверьте первичный протокол.

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT07272031 · OM_HRV_2025_RCMC

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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