The impact of technology on promoting physical activities and mental health: a gender-based study

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern globally, associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Technologically based interventions have emerged as a potential solution to promote physical activity engagement and improve mental health outcomes. However, understanding the effectiveness of these interventions and the role of gender in their outcomes is essential for developing tailored strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of technologically based interventions in promoting physical activity and improving mental health outcomes, with a specific focus on gender differences. METHODOLOGY: This study employed a three-phase mixed methods research design. Phase one was an experimental phase where 300 participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received a technologically based physical activity intervention, while the control group did not. Physical activity levels and mental health outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Phase two involved qualitative interviews with a subset of participants (n = 20) from the intervention group. These interviews explored motivations and barriers to physical activity, aiming to uncover personal factors influencing engagement. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes. Phase three utilized a quantitative survey to compare motivations and barriers between males and females. The survey, administered to a larger sample, included participants from both intervention and control groups. It assessed various factors and allowed for a quantitative comparison of gender differences. FINDINGS: findings indicated that the intervention improved the mental health and physical activities level of the intervention groups. Findings also there are 8 motivations for and barriers to using technology in physical activities. Male and females’ scores on some of the motivations and barriers were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: technology plays an important role in improving the mental health and physical activities of adults. Findings can be used by health care centers, digital psychologists, and physical trainers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-023-01348-3.