An interventional study of Head Massage Intervention and Cervical Area Massage Intervention in Occupational Health, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Functioning and Mood State and Stress, sponsored by Riga Stradins University. Recruiting at 1 site in Latvia. Open to female participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-13.
Sponsored by Riga Stradins University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
Riga Stradins University is the lead sponsor of 19 studies on the registry; 10 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
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 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
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Duration and Frequency: 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: Head Massage Intervention
Duration and Frequency: 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: Cervical Area Massage Intervention
Duration and Frequency: 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.
Procedure: Hand Massage Intervention
Duration and Frequency: 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.
Other: Quiet Rest Control
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Age of Participants
The age of participants calculated from their date of birth. Years
Time frame: Baseline
Smoking Status Categories
The classification of participants' smoking status (e.g., Current Smoker, Former Smoker, Never Smoker). Count (Number of Participants per Category)
Time frame: Baseline
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index, calculated from weight and height. kg/m2
Time frame: Baseline
Duration of Sedentary Work Experience
The total duration of sedentary work experience. Years
Time frame: Baseline
Family and Parental Status Categories
The classification of participants based on their family and parental status (e.g., Married, Unmarried, With Children, Without Children). Count (Number of Participants per Category)
Time frame: Baseline
Total Physical Activity Level (IPAQ)
Total physical activity level score calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) -minutes/week
Time frame: Baseline
Plan to share: Yes
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Started Jan 2026 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Sep 2026, 8 months after the start.
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Riga Stradins University