Quantitative findings
The results of t-tests for pretests showed that the differences between the control and experimental groups on all variables of the study were not statistically significant. To check whether the intervention was effective or not, the groups’ scores were submitted to independent samples-t-tests. Table 2 shows the means and standard deviations for several variables in the control and experimental groups, as well as the results of t-tests comparing the means between the two groups. Results are presented in Table 2.
Table 2 T-tests for comparing control and experimental groups’ mean scores
Variables
|
Group
|
Mean (SD)
|
t-value
|
df
|
p-value
|
Physical activities
|
Control
|
3.2 (1.1)
|
5.23
|
198
|
<0.001
|
Physical activities
|
Experimental
|
5.1 (0.9)
|
|
|
|
Somatic symptoms
|
Control
|
3.47 (0.92)
|
4.32
|
198
|
<0.001
|
Somatic symptoms
|
Experimental
|
2.9 (0.89)
|
|
|
|
Anxiety and insomnia
|
Control
|
3.6 (0.93)
|
3.45
|
198
|
<0.001
|
Anxiety and insomnia
|
Experimental
|
3.1 (0.91)
|
|
|
|
Social dysfunction
|
Control
|
3.6 (0.91)
|
2.83
|
198
|
0.005
|
Social dysfunction
|
Experimental
|
3.2 (0.90)
|
|
|
|
Depression
|
Control
|
3.4 (0.90)
|
3.67
|
198
|
<0.001
|
Depression
|
Experimental
|
2.8 (0.89)
|
|
|
|
Life satisfaction and happiness
|
Control
|
5.2 (1.3)
|
4.71
|
198
|
<0.001
|
Life satisfaction and happiness
|
Experimental
|
7.1 (1.1)
|
|
|
|
The results suggest that the experimental intervention had a substantial impact on various metrics in comparison to the control group. Regarding physical activities, the average score for the experimental group (5.1) exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (3.2), as evidenced by results of t-test (t=5.23, p= 0.001). This finding indicates that the intervention effectively enhanced levels of physical activity within the experimental group.
In relation to somatic symptoms, the experimental group’s mean score (M= 2.9) exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to the control group (M=3.47), as indicated by results of the t-test (t= 4.32, p= 0.001. This finding suggests that the intervention resulted in a decrease in somatic symptoms among participants in the experimental group when compared to those in the control group. In relation to anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression, the experimental group exhibited notably lower average scores in comparison to the control group (p=0.001). The findings indicate that the intervention yielded positive outcomes in terms of reducing anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression among participants in the experimental group. Moreover, with regard to life satisfaction and happiness, the experimental group exhibited markedly higher average scores in comparison to the control group (p= 0.001). This finding suggests that the intervention had a positive impact on life satisfaction and happiness among participants in the experimental group.
Research question 2
The second research question aimed at exploring the factors that Influence the relationship between technology-based Physical Activities, Happiness, and Mental Health. The following themes emerged from the analysis of the factors that influence the relationship between technology-based physical activities, happiness, and mental health.
Type of Technology-Based Physical Activity
The type of technology-based physical activity performed can influence the relationship between physical activity, happiness, and mental health. For example, activities that involve social interaction and collaboration can enhance happiness and mental health outcomes, while activities that are solitary and competitive can have negative effects on mental health. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 11 who stated, "I find that I'm much happier and more motivated to engage in technology-based physical activities when I'm able to do them with others. It's more fun and feels less like a chore compared to doing it alone. When I do activities that are solitary and competitive, like playing video games, I tend to feel more stressed and anxious afterward."
Duration of Technology-Based Physical Activity:
The duration of technology-based physical activity can also influence the relationship between physical activity, happiness, and mental health. Short bursts of physical activity have been found to enhance happiness and mental health outcomes, while prolonged periods of physical inactivity can lead to negative mental health outcomes. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 9 who stated, "I've noticed that when I take short breaks during the day to do a quick workout or stretch, I feel more energized and focused. It's like it gives me a mental boost and makes me feel happier. On the other hand, when I spend hours sitting at my desk without moving, I tend to feel more sluggish and unmotivated, and my mood can be affected as well."
Frequency of Technology-Based Physical Activity
The frequency of technology-based physical activity can also influence the relationship between physical activity, happiness, and mental health. Consistent engagement in physical activity has been found to enhance mental health outcomes, while sporadic engagement in physical activity may not have the same positive effects. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 7 who stated, "I've found that the more regularly I engage in technology-based physical activities, the better I feel mentally. Even if it's just a short workout or walk every day, it seems to have a cumulative effect. On the other hand, when I only do physical activity sporadically, I don't notice the same positive effects on my mood and mental health."
The Intensity of Technology-Based Physical Activity
The intensity of technology-based physical activity can also influence the relationship between physical activity, happiness, and mental health. High-intensity physical activity has been found to enhance mental health outcomes, while low-intensity physical activity may not have the same positive effects. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 8 who stated, "I've found that when I do high-intensity workouts that really get me sweating and my heart rates up, I feel amazing afterward. It's like a natural high that lasts for hours. But when I do low-intensity workouts, like gentle yoga or stretching, I don't get the same rush of endorphins and my mood doesn't seem to be affected as much."
Individual Differences
Individual differences, such as age, sex, and personality traits, can also influence the relationship between technology-based physical activities, happiness, and mental health. For example, younger individuals may be more likely to engage in technology-based physical activities, while older individuals may prefer traditional forms of physical activity. Additionally, individuals with high levels of extroversion may benefit more from social technology-based physical activities compared to introverted individuals. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 6 who stated, "I'm quite introverted, so I don't really enjoy group fitness classes or social workouts. Instead, I prefer to do solo workouts like running or weightlifting. I find it helps me clear my head and recharge my batteries. But I know other people who love the social aspect of technology-based physical activities and find it really motivating."
Motivation and Enjoyment
Motivation and enjoyment are also important factors that influence the relationship between technology-based physical activities, happiness, and mental health. Individuals who are motivated and enjoy engaging in technology-based physical activities are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes. This finding is supported by a quotation from Participant 6 who stated, "I love using fitness apps and wearables to track my progress and see improvements over time. It's really motivating for me to be able to see how far I've come and to set new goals for myself. Plus, I find a lot of the technology-based physical activities to be really enjoyable, like dance games or interactive workouts. It makes me happy and helps me relieve stress."
Research question 3
The third research question aimed at exploring the individuals’ perceptions of technology-based physical activities. Interviews were content analyzed and the main themes are explained as follows:
Increased motivation
Participants perceived that technology-based physical activities increased their motivation to engage in physical activity. One participant stated, "Using fitness apps and wearables helped me set goals, track my progress, and receive feedback, which motivated me to keep exercising."
Improved convenience and accessibility
Participants found technology-based physical activities to be more convenient and accessible than traditional forms of physical activity. Participant 3 mentioned, "I could access online fitness classes and use fitness apps whenever and wherever I wanted, which fit perfectly into my busy schedule."
Enhanced social connection
Participants felt that technology-based physical activities enhanced their social connection with others. Participant 5 stated, "Engaging in online group fitness classes and playing interactive video games with friends made me feel connected and supported. It provided a sense of belonging and improved my happiness and mental health."
Positive emotional experiences
Participants experienced positive emotional experiences through technology-based physical activities. For instance, participant 8 stated, "I enjoyed the challenge and excitement of interactive video games and the relaxation and mindfulness of yoga apps. It helped me relieve stress and uplifted my mood."
Individual differences
Participants acknowledged that the impact of technology-based physical activities on their physical activity levels, happiness, and mental health varied based on their individual differences. As an example, participant 7 noted, "Younger individuals seemed more inclined towards technology-based physical activities, while older individuals preferred traditional forms. Extroverted individuals appeared to benefit more from social technology-based activities compared to introverted individuals."