Healthy Young AdultsNCT07529678
Differences in Autonomic Recovery Between Physically Active and Inactive Women Following an Automated Massage Chair Intervention
A study testing Massage chair in people with Healthy Young Adults and Physical Activity Levels, run by Universiti Sains Malaysia at 1 site in Malaysia.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to investigate whether an automated massage chair can improve the body's recovery system in healthy young women (aged 19-26 years) who are either physically active or inactive. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 26 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Young Adults, Physical Activity Levels, Inactive People
- What is being tested?
- Massage chair
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteMalaysia
- Study dates
- 23 Apr 2024to 18 Apr 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 26 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Participants in the physically active group were university athletes from various sports (athletics, football, volleyball, and badminton) with at least one year of competition experience at the university level and who engaged in supervised training sessions at least three times per week. Physically inactive were those who did not meet these criteria and were identified as having low physical activity levels based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Malaysia1 site
Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory
Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Automated Electronic Massage Chair on the Autonomic Nervous System of Female University Student-Athletes and Non- Athletes
The goal of this study is to investigate whether an automated massage chair can improve the body's recovery system in healthy young women (aged 19-26 years) who are either physically active or inactive.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does a single session in an automated massage chair improve heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of stress, relaxation, and recovery balance?
- Do individuals who are more physically active recover better after using a massage chair compared to those who are inactive?
Researchers will compare the physically active group to the physically inactive group to see if baseline physical activity levels influence the short-term recovery effects of the massage at different time points.
Participants will:
- Complete a standardized 20-minute automated massage chair session using a preset program at a self-selected moderate intensity.
- Have their heart rate data collected at baseline, prior to the massage session.
- Undergo follow-up heart rate data collection at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the session to monitor short-term recovery changes.
Read the detailed description
Background and Rationale Massage therapy is widely utilized to promote overall health, alleviate stress, and facilitate recovery following physical exertion. A primary mechanism through which massage aids recovery is by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which drives the "fight-or-flight" stress response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which governs "rest-and-digest" processes vital for tissue repair and cardiovascular recovery.In recent years, automated electric massage chairs (AEMCs) have surged in popularity as an accessible means to replicate therapist-delivered manual massage. Despite their widespread commercial use for health and wellness, research examining their physiological impacts-particularly on autonomic regulation-remains limited. Furthermore, while physically active individuals typically demonstrate greater autonomic flexibility and faster physiological recovery than inactive individuals, it is largely unknown if these baseline physical activity levels influence the body's acute response to an automated massage intervention.
Study Objective This study aims to evaluate the acute physiological effects of a single AEMC session on autonomic regulation among healthy female university students. By utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) as a non-invasive marker of sympathovagal balance, researchers will compare the physiological responses of physically active participants against those of inactive participants over a 72-hour recovery period.
Study Procedures Participants will be assigned to one of two groups based on their habitual physical activity levels: a physically active group (engaging in at least three supervised training sessions per week) and an inactive group (identified via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as having low physical activity levels).
The study involves the following procedural sequence:
- Familiarization: Prior to the initial assessment, participants will complete a familiarization session to acclimate to the monitoring devices and the AEMC while it is both powered off and on.
- Baseline Assessment: On the experimental day, participants will be fitted with a wrist-worn heart rate monitor and a chest strap heart rate transmitter. Participants will sit in the powered-off AEMC for five minutes to capture baseline HRV data. During this time, they will be instructed to remain relaxed and minimize both body movements and communication.
- Intervention: Participants will be positioned in a reclined posture, with their upper bodies supported and legs and feet elevated to heart level. They will then undergo a 20-minute standardized "Recharge" program on the AEMC. This program delivers a continuous, moderate-intensity massage using kneading and rolling techniques focused on the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, and thighs. The intensity will be subjectively selected by the participant to a moderate level and adjusted via a Bluetooth-connected application to ensure suitable pressure.
- Post-Intervention Monitoring: Following the massage session, participants will be instructed to resume normal daily activities but must refrain from structured exercise for three days. Participants will return to the laboratory at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-session to have their HRV recorded. All follow-up HRV measurements will be recorded at the same time of day to control for circadian variations.
Data Analysis and Mechanisms Heart rate data will be synced and analyzed using specialized software to calculate frequency-domain HRV indices. The analysis will specifically look at the high-frequency (HF) component, the low-frequency (LF) component, and the LF/HF ratio. The HF component primarily reflects parasympathetic activity, whereas the LF component represents a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The LF/HF ratio serves as an index of autonomic balance, with lower values indicating a state of parasympathetic dominance and enhanced recovery capacity. Tracking these metrics across multiple time points will allow researchers to observe the timeline of short-term autonomic changes and determine if habitual physical activity primes individuals to derive greater physiological recovery benefits from automated massage chair therapy.
- Being tested
- Massage chair
- Keywords
- automated massage chair, Physically inactive, physically active, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Massage chairDevice
The intervention utilized the Ogawa Master Drive AI 2.0 massage chair, which is an advanced, fully automated, electrically powered unit featuring Bluetooth-enabled control via the Ogawa Wellness app.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Physically Inactive Group | Sham comparator | Physically inactive participants undergo a single 20-minute treatment utilizing a commercial automated electric massage chair. For the duration of the intervention, subjects rest in a heavily reclined position, allowing the device to fully support the head and torso while keeping the lower extremities elevated.The massage chair is programmed to execute the manufacturer's specific "Recharge" protocol. This setting applies a combination of mechanical kneading and rolling motions across the upper and lower back, cervical region, arms, and thighs.To ensure consistency in perceived physical exertion, the mechanical force is customized per user. Researchers calibrate the physical pressure through a wireless application, relying on the participant's verbal feedback to lock in a self-reported "moderate" intensity rating prior to the 20-minute session. Heart rate variability is measured at pre, post 24-, post 48-, and post 72-hours massage intervention. Receives: Device: Massage chair |
| Physically Active Group | Active comparator | Participants are active.The intervention consists of a single 20-minute standardized session in an automated electric massage chair. Participants are positioned in a reclined posture where the back of the chair is nearly parallel to the floor, with their hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees or more, and their legs and feet elevated to heart level.The session utilizes a preset "Recharge" program designed to deliver moderate-intensity massage therapy. The mechanical massage applies continuous, harmonized kneading and rolling techniques specifically targeting the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, and thighs.While the program is preset, participants subjectively self-select their perceived moderate pressure on a scale of 1 to 3. The massage intensity is then adjusted via Bluetooth using a paired application, ensuring the pressure is suitable and comfortable for each individual participant. Heart rate variability is measured at pre, post 24-, post 48-, and post 72-hours massage intervention. Receives: Device: Massage chair |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Heart rate variability
The primary outcome measures changes in autonomic nervous system regulation using frequency-domain indices of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV is a non-invasive marker of sympathovagal balance.Three specific metrics are evaluated using Kubios software:
- High-Frequency (HF) power: Measured in normalized units (0.15-0.40 Hz). HF reflects parasympathetic (vagal) activity, which drives rest, relaxation, and recovery.
- Low-Frequency (LF) power: Measured in normalized units (0.04-0.15 Hz). LF indicates a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system influences.
- LF/HF Ratio: Calculated as an index of overall autonomic balance. Lower values denote greater parasympathetic dominance and more efficient recovery.These HRV outcomes are recorded at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention to track short-term physiological recovery.
Measured: Baseline, post 24-hours, post 48-hours, post 72-hours
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Apr 2026
- Study start23 Apr 2024
- Primary completion1 Jul 2024
- Study completion18 Apr 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (11)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy Young AdultsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two groups: 1. Physically Active 2. Physically Inactive Both groups receive the same intervention
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Marilyn Li Yin Ong, Universiti Sains Malaysia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07529678
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- USM/JEPeM/KK/24010104
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 14 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Participants indicated that their data should not be used for any purposes outside the current study, including future research or sharing with external agencies.
Publications
Chen YS, Lu WA, Clemente FM, Bezerra JP, Kuo CD. Increased Parasympathetic Activity by Foot Reflexology Massage after Repeated Sprint Test in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Sports (Basel). 2019 Nov 3;7(11):228. doi: 10.3390/sports7110228.
PubMed 31684198Yilmaz E, Aktop A, Abdioglu A, Melekoglu T, Nalbant M. The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Recovery After Aerobic Exercise. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2025 Mar;50(1):95-106. doi: 10.1007/s10484-024-09672-z. Epub 2024 Dec 4.
PubMed 39630342Miyagi R, Sasawaki Y, Shiotani H. The influence of short-term sedentary behavior on circadian rhythm of heart rate and heart rate variability. Chronobiol Int. 2019 Mar;36(3):374-380. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1550422. Epub 2018 Dec 3.
PubMed 30501447Fazeli MS, Pourrahmat MM, Liu M, Guan L, Collet JP. The Effect of Head Massage on the Regulation of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Jan;22(1):75-80. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0141. Epub 2015 Nov 12.
PubMed 26562003Tarvainen MP, Niskanen JP, Lipponen JA, Ranta-Aho PO, Karjalainen PA. Kubios HRV--heart rate variability analysis software. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2014;113(1):210-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2013.07.024. Epub 2013 Aug 6.
PubMed 24054542Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjostrom M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve A, Sallis JF, Oja P. International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003 Aug;35(8):1381-95. doi: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB.
PubMed 12900694Mat Isar NEN, Abdul Halim MHZ, Ong MLY. Acute massage stimulates parasympathetic activation after a single exhaustive muscle contraction exercise. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2022 Apr;30:105-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.02.016. Epub 2022 Feb 7.
PubMed 35500957Forstenpointner J, Elman I, Freeman R, Borsook D. The omnipresence of autonomic modulation in health and disease. Prog Neurobiol. 2022 Mar;210:102218. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102218. Epub 2022 Jan 13.
PubMed 35033599Xie J, Fu M, Liu T, Li S, Liu G, Wang J, Ji C, Zhang T. Clinical studies on the electric automatic massage therapy for recovery of acute sports fatigue. Technol Health Care. 2023;31(S1):185-197. doi: 10.3233/THC-236016.
PubMed 37038791Youn BY, Cho H, Joo S, Kim HJ, Kim JY. Utilization of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review. Explore (NY). 2024 May-Jun;20(3):285-297. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.10.002. Epub 2023 Oct 5.
PubMed 37839928Baek JY, Lee E, Gil B, Jung HW, Jang IY. Clinical effects of using a massage chair on stress measures in adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Jun;66:102825. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102825. Epub 2022 Mar 24.
PubMed 35339652
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Automated Electronic Massage Chair on the Autonomic Nervous System of Female University Student-Athletes and Non- Athletes
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07529678
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- USM/JEPeM/KK/24010104
- Keywords
- automated massage chair, Physically inactive, physically active, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universiti Sains MalaysiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 18 Apr 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to investigate whether an automated massage chair can improve the body's recovery system in healthy young women (aged 19-26 years) who are either physically active or inactive.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does a single session in an automated massage chair improve heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of stress, relaxation, and recovery balance?
- Do individuals who are more physically active recover better after using a massage chair compared to those who are inactive?
Researchers will compare the physically active group to the physically inactive group to see if baseline physical activity levels influence the short-term recovery effects of the massage at different time points.
Participants will:
- Complete a standardized 20-minute automated massage chair session using a preset program at a self-selected moderate intensity.
- Have their heart rate data collected at baseline, prior to the massage session.
- Undergo follow-up heart rate data collection at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the session to monitor short-term recovery changes.
Detailed description
Background and Rationale Massage therapy is widely utilized to promote overall health, alleviate stress, and facilitate recovery following physical exertion. A primary mechanism through which massage aids recovery is by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which drives the "fight-or-flight" stress response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which governs "rest-and-digest" processes vital for tissue repair and cardiovascular recovery.In recent years, automated electric massage chairs (AEMCs) have surged in popularity as an accessible means to replicate therapist-delivered manual massage. Despite their widespread commercial use for health and wellness, research examining their physiological impacts-particularly on autonomic regulation-remains limited. Furthermore, while physically active individuals typically demonstrate greater autonomic flexibility and faster physiological recovery than inactive individuals, it is largely unknown if these baseline physical activity levels influence the body's acute response to an automated massage intervention.
Study Objective This study aims to evaluate the acute physiological effects of a single AEMC session on autonomic regulation among healthy female university students. By utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) as a non-invasive marker of sympathovagal balance, researchers will compare the physiological responses of physically active participants against those of inactive participants over a 72-hour recovery period.
Study Procedures Participants will be assigned to one of two groups based on their habitual physical activity levels: a physically active group (engaging in at least three supervised training sessions per week) and an inactive group (identified via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as having low physical activity levels).
The study involves the following procedural sequence:
- Familiarization: Prior to the initial assessment, participants will complete a familiarization session to acclimate to the monitoring devices and the AEMC while it is both powered off and on.
- Baseline Assessment: On the experimental day, participants will be fitted with a wrist-worn heart rate monitor and a chest strap heart rate transmitter. Participants will sit in the powered-off AEMC for five minutes to capture baseline HRV data. During this time, they will be instructed to remain relaxed and minimize both body movements and communication.
- Intervention: Participants will be positioned in a reclined posture, with their upper bodies supported and legs and feet elevated to heart level. They will then undergo a 20-minute standardized "Recharge" program on the AEMC. This program delivers a continuous, moderate-intensity massage using kneading and rolling techniques focused on the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, and thighs. The intensity will be subjectively selected by the participant to a moderate level and adjusted via a Bluetooth-connected application to ensure suitable pressure.
- Post-Intervention Monitoring: Following the massage session, participants will be instructed to resume normal daily activities but must refrain from structured exercise for three days. Participants will return to the laboratory at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-session to have their HRV recorded. All follow-up HRV measurements will be recorded at the same time of day to control for circadian variations.
Data Analysis and Mechanisms Heart rate data will be synced and analyzed using specialized software to calculate frequency-domain HRV indices. The analysis will specifically look at the high-frequency (HF) component, the low-frequency (LF) component, and the LF/HF ratio. The HF component primarily reflects parasympathetic activity, whereas the LF component represents a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. The LF/HF ratio serves as an index of autonomic balance, with lower values indicating a state of parasympathetic dominance and enhanced recovery capacity. Tracking these metrics across multiple time points will allow researchers to observe the timeline of short-term autonomic changes and determine if habitual physical activity primes individuals to derive greater physiological recovery benefits from automated massage chair therapy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two groups: 1. Physically Active 2. Physically Inactive Both groups receive the same intervention
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physically Inactive Group | Sham comparator | Device: Massage chairPhysically inactive participants undergo a single 20-minute treatment utilizing a commercial automated electric massage chair. For the duration of the intervention, subjects rest in a heavily reclined position, allowing the device to fully support the head and torso while keeping the lower extremities elevated.The massage chair is programmed to execute the manufacturer's specific "Recharge" protocol. This setting applies a combination of mechanical kneading and rolling motions across the upper and lower back, cervical region, arms, and thighs.To ensure consistency in perceived physical exertion, the mechanical force is customized per user. Researchers calibrate the physical pressure through a wireless application, relying on the participant's verbal feedback to lock in a self-reported "moderate" intensity rating prior to the 20-minute session. Heart rate variability is measured at pre, post 24-, post 48-, and post 72-hours massage intervention. |
| Physically Active Group | Active comparator | Device: Massage chairParticipants are active.The intervention consists of a single 20-minute standardized session in an automated electric massage chair. Participants are positioned in a reclined posture where the back of the chair is nearly parallel to the floor, with their hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees or more, and their legs and feet elevated to heart level.The session utilizes a preset "Recharge" program designed to deliver moderate-intensity massage therapy. The mechanical massage applies continuous, harmonized kneading and rolling techniques specifically targeting the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, and thighs.While the program is preset, participants subjectively self-select their perceived moderate pressure on a scale of 1 to 3. The massage intensity is then adjusted via Bluetooth using a paired application, ensuring the pressure is suitable and comfortable for each individual participant. Heart rate variability is measured at pre, post 24-, post 48-, and post 72-hours massage intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 26 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Massage chairThe intervention utilized the Ogawa Master Drive AI 2.0 massage chair, which is an advanced, fully automated, electrically powered unit featuring Bluetooth-enabled control via the Ogawa Wellness app. | Device | Physically Active Group, Physically Inactive Group |
Primary outcome
Heart rate variability
Time frame: Baseline, post 24-hours, post 48-hours, post 72-hours
The primary outcome measures changes in autonomic nervous system regulation using frequency-domain indices of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV is a non-invasive marker of sympathovagal balance.Three specific metrics are evaluated using Kubios software: 1. High-Frequency (HF) power: Measured in normalized units (0.15-0.40 Hz). HF reflects parasympathetic (vagal) activity, which drives rest, relaxation, and recovery. 2. Low-Frequency (LF) power: Measured in normalized units (0.04-0.15 Hz). LF indicates a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system influences. 3. LF/HF Ratio: Calculated as an index of overall autonomic balance. Lower values denote greater parasympathetic dominance and more efficient recovery.These HRV outcomes are recorded at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention to track short-term physiological recovery.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31684198Chen YS, Lu WA, Clemente FM, Bezerra JP, Kuo CD. Increased Parasympathetic Activity by Foot Reflexology Massage after Repeated Sprint Test in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Sports (Basel). 2019 Nov 3;7(11):228. doi: 10.3390/sports7110228.
- Background: PubMed 39630342Yilmaz E, Aktop A, Abdioglu A, Melekoglu T, Nalbant M. The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Recovery After Aerobic Exercise. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2025 Mar;50(1):95-106. doi: 10.1007/s10484-024-09672-z. Epub 2024 Dec 4.
- Background: PubMed 30501447Miyagi R, Sasawaki Y, Shiotani H. The influence of short-term sedentary behavior on circadian rhythm of heart rate and heart rate variability. Chronobiol Int. 2019 Mar;36(3):374-380. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1550422. Epub 2018 Dec 3.
- Background: PubMed 26562003Fazeli MS, Pourrahmat MM, Liu M, Guan L, Collet JP. The Effect of Head Massage on the Regulation of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Jan;22(1):75-80. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0141. Epub 2015 Nov 12.
- Background: PubMed 24054542Tarvainen MP, Niskanen JP, Lipponen JA, Ranta-Aho PO, Karjalainen PA. Kubios HRV--heart rate variability analysis software. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2014;113(1):210-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2013.07.024. Epub 2013 Aug 6.
- Background: PubMed 12900694Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjostrom M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve A, Sallis JF, Oja P. International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003 Aug;35(8):1381-95. doi: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB.
- Background: PubMed 35500957Mat Isar NEN, Abdul Halim MHZ, Ong MLY. Acute massage stimulates parasympathetic activation after a single exhaustive muscle contraction exercise. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2022 Apr;30:105-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.02.016. Epub 2022 Feb 7.
- Background: PubMed 35033599Forstenpointner J, Elman I, Freeman R, Borsook D. The omnipresence of autonomic modulation in health and disease. Prog Neurobiol. 2022 Mar;210:102218. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102218. Epub 2022 Jan 13.
- Background: PubMed 37038791Xie J, Fu M, Liu T, Li S, Liu G, Wang J, Ji C, Zhang T. Clinical studies on the electric automatic massage therapy for recovery of acute sports fatigue. Technol Health Care. 2023;31(S1):185-197. doi: 10.3233/THC-236016.
- Background: PubMed 37839928Youn BY, Cho H, Joo S, Kim HJ, Kim JY. Utilization of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review. Explore (NY). 2024 May-Jun;20(3):285-297. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.10.002. Epub 2023 Oct 5.
- Background: PubMed 35339652Baek JY, Lee E, Gil B, Jung HW, Jang IY. Clinical effects of using a massage chair on stress measures in adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Jun;66:102825. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102825. Epub 2022 Mar 24.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Participants indicated that their data should not be used for any purposes outside the current study, including future research or sharing with external agencies.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Massage chair in people with Healthy Young Adults and Physical Activity Levels, run by Universiti Sains Malaysia at 1 site in Malaysia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Malaysia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Heart rate variability (time frame: Baseline, post 24-hours, post 48-hours, post 72-hours). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07529678, which also lists 11 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Apr 2026.