Office Massage Effects on HRV and Stress

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.

NCT Number	NCT07272031
Lead Sponsor	Riga Stradins University
Conditions	Occupational Health, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Functioning and Mood State, Stress
Enrollment	140 participants
Start Date	2026-01-05
Primary Completion	2026-09-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-09-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-08-13