Technology-based Physical Activities and Adults’ physical activities levels, mental health, and Life satisfaction and Happiness: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a technology-based physical activity intervention in promoting physical activity and improving mental health, life satisfaction and happiness among adults in Guizhou province, China. Literature review has indicated the potential of technology-based interventions in this area; however, the number of the studies on this area is scanty. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of a technology-based physical activity intervention on promoting physical activity and improving mental health, life satisfaction, and happiness among adults. Specifically, the study aimed to compare an experimental group receiving the intervention with a control group that received no intervention. It also aimed at exploring male and female adults’ perceptions of motivations for and barriers to using technology in physical activities. Methodology: The research employed a mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative aspect involved a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial (RCT), while the qualitative component utilized semi-structured interviews. Participants were randomly selected from a population of adults aged 18 years and older using a stratified random sampling technique. Quantitative data on physical activity levels, happiness, and mental health outcomes were collected through surveys administered at both the onset and the end of a 12-week intervention period. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews to gain insights into participants' perceptions of technology-based physical activities. Findings: The findings revealed that the technology-based physical activity intervention was effective in promoting physical activity and improving mental health, life satisfaction and happiness among the experimental group. The qualitative analysis using thematic analysis provided additional insights into participants' views on technology-based physical activities as facilitators or barriers to physical activity and mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study concludes that the technology-based physical activity intervention had a positive impact on physical activity levels and mental health, life satisfaction, and happiness of the adults. Implications: The findings of this study have important implications for the development of future physical activity interventions and mental health programs. They provide evidence for the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in promoting physical activity and improving mental health outcomes among adults. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects, sustainability, and specific mechanisms underlying the impact of these interventions. Understanding these factors will help in developing targeted and effective interventions to promote physical activity and enhance mental well-being in the future.