The Impact of Metabolic Equivalents (METS) on Physical Activity and Occupational Mental Health among IT Professionals Using mHealth

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American Journal of Educational Research, 2024, Vol. 12, No. 1, 12-19
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/12/1/2
Published by Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/education-12-1-2
The Impact of Metabolic Equivalents (METS)
on Physical Activity and Occupational Mental
Health among IT Professionals Using mHealth
Deepak Ram Thulasi Raman1,*, Ramesh C2
1Senior Resident, Department of Sports Medicine, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, India
2Professor, Department of Sports Medicine, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, India
*Corresponding author:
Received December 02, 2023; Revised Januaryr 04, 2024; Accepted January 12, 2024
Abstract Physical inactivity and excessive workload are detrimental to mental health. IT Professionals experience
mental health issues particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic like depression and anxiety. The concept of work
from home post pandemic has brought immense stress among the working professionals. The American College of
Sports Medicine recommends at least 10 minutes of moderate MET level activity towards their recommended daily
amounts of exercise. This study assessed the importance of using the concept of metabolic equivalents (METS)
during physical activity. 140 participants, aged 25 to 35 using fitness trackers during their physical activity sessions
were chosen. Anthropometric measurements, (CESD-R) depression scale, (GAD-7) anxiety scale, METS was used.
Data interpretated using mhealth. In our study, Participants in low intensity METS had a significantly increased risk
of clinical depression CES-D scale, GAD-7 anxiety scale and lower physical activity energy expenditure compared
to participants exercising in Moderate to High Intensity METS with a P-Value of 0.001. Participants engaged in
regular physical activity with moderate to vigorous METS had lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to
participants who engage in low METS. Occupational mental health is important to the professionals, improving
METS and increasing physical activity intensity levels will significantly improve mental health and quality of life.
This study will assist health educators in developing exercise or sport participation programmes that focus on mental
health for a specific population of interest. METS-based intensity of physical activity will assist them in
implementing the various and wider option of physical activity based on intensity to gain the most benefit,
particularly mental health.
Keywords: mental health, physical activity, metabolic equivalents, wearable device, mhealth
Cite This Article: Deepak Ram Thulasi Raman, and Ramesh C, “The Impact of Metabolic Equivalents
(METS) on Physical Activity and Occupational Mental Health among IT Professionals Using mHealth.” American
Journal of Educational Research, vol. 12, no. 1 (2024): 12-19. doi: 10.12691/education-12-1-2.
1. Introduction
Regular physical activity facilitates to stay healthy and
enhance overall health, and it is vital for growth and
development across the lifespan of an individual. There is
overwhelming evidence that engaging in physical activity
enhances health, particularly in the areas of mental health.
Physical inactivity and its consequences have a negative
impact on mental health. Working professionals,
particularly software and IT professionals, are at greater
risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD). At a global level, over 300
million people are estimated to suffer from major
depressive disorders, equivalent to 4.4% of the world’s
population [1]. Software professionals often suffer from
mental issues such as anxiety and depression as a
consequence of excessive workload and physical
inactivity, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO estimates that COVID-19 has directly or indirectly
contributed to an additional 53.2 million cases of
depression and 76.2 million cases of anxiety, an increase
of 28% and 26% in prevalence, respectively, since the
start of the pandemic [2]. Software professionals
constitute as one of a global economic backbone.
However, mental health is a significant barrier for these
professionals. Recent studies have found that individuals
who have experienced COVID-induced economic shocks,
such as reduced workload and income loss, were more
likely to have worse mental health conditions [3]. In order
to overcome barriers in mental health conditions,
particularly among working professionals, engaging in
regular physical activity will eventually assist them in
overcoming mental illness. There is an increasing amount
of evidence documenting the beneficial impacts of
physical activity on mental health, with studies examining
the effects of both brief bouts of exercise and more
extended periods of activity [4]. Compelling evidence has
demonstrated that physical activity and exercise can also

American Journal of Educational Research 13
prevent common mental disorders, such as depression and
anxiety disorders, and have multiple beneficial effects on
the physical and mental health of people with a wide range
of mental disorders [5]. Through various awareness
activities, significant organizations around the world focus
on mental health in the workplace. Work-related stress can
damage a person’s physical and mental health and
ultimately have a negative effect on job productivity by
increasing stress levels [6]. Professionals participate in
some kind of leisure time physical activity to counteract
stress and pressure in the workplace. Additionally,
physical activity can promote healthy cognitive and
psychosocial function [7]. Physical activity in both
occupational and leisure time is a fundamental means of
health promotion [8]. Studies have shown that overweight
and physical inactivity are causes of chronic diseases and
risk factors for psychological health among workers [9].
In our study, we recruited software professionals who
engage in leisure time physical activity. Leisure activities
are frequently defined as voluntary non-work activities
that are engaged in for enjoyment [10].
Leisure Sports are freeform, voluntary and non-
competitive activities, which aim to regulate the mental
state of people [11]. Participants who engage in Leisure
time physical activity were found to exhibit a significant
use of health-promoting actions throughout pandemic
situation. This is consistent with research showing that
leisure activities involving physical activity positively
affect quality of life and satisfaction [12]. Even though
professionals engage in some form of physical activity,
they are unable to benefit from it. There could be a variety
of reasons for not benefited from physical activity,
including frequency of exercise in terms of consistency,
insufficient intensity, duration of exercise, and type of
exercise. Metabolic equivalents (METs) can be used to
rate the intensity of physical activities. One metabolic
equivalent (MET) is defined as the amount of oxygen
consumed while sitting at rest and is equal to 3.5 ml O2
per kg body weight x min [13]. The Metabolic Equivalent
may additionally indicate the number of calories we burn
while doing physical activity. In accordance with the state
of the physical activity, one can choose from an array of
exercises to meet their fitness goals. This knowledge
provides more simpler way to modify the daily routines to
be physically active enough to benefit overall health.
Health benefits of physical activity are not limited only to
improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and
cardiometabolic health, and positive effects on weight
status, but it also boosts mental health and social health
[14].The positive effects are not only related to the total
energy expenditure, but also attributed to the intensities in
which physical activity might be performed [15].
Guidelines have recommended using metabolic equivalent
of task (METs) as reference thresholds of absolute
intensities (light, <3.0 METs; moderate, 3.0–5.9 METs;
vigorous ≥6.0 METs)(15). The American college of sports
medicine guidelines recommends that the moderate
aerobic physical activity should be at least 150–300
minutes [16]. The majority of the population does not
engage in physical activity of sufficient intensity and
volume [17]. Increased exercise intensity burns more
calories. When individuals exercise at moderate to
vigorous Metabolic equivalents (METS) burn more
calories during their workout routine compared to
individuals with low intensity physical activity. Adults
reporting engaging in only vigorous-intensity Leisure
Time Physical Activity were found to be 37% to 56%
less likely to have metabolic syndrome [18]. A pooled
prospective analysis including more than 660 000
participants estimated that achieving the recommended
range of physical activity levels (7.5-15 metabolic
equivalent of task [MET] hours per week) was associated
with a 31% lower mortality risk in comparison with
participants who did not achieve these activity levels [19].
Individuals’ intensity and frequency of physical exercise
positively affected their entrepreneurial choice, and
exercise frequency had a greater effect on entrepreneurial
behavior [20]. People monitor and record their physical
activity using a wearable fitness tracker with access to
workout summaries in mobile applications. Recent
advances in handheld device production, together with the
rise of wearable technology incorporated into everyday
life of individuals, have given rise to the concept of
mobile healthcare (mHealth) monitoring. mHealth has
been defined as “mobile computing, medical sensor, and
communication technologies for healthcare [21]. mHealth,
in the most general way, encompasses the use of
wearables, mobile devices and smartphone apps for
acquiring information about one's health. Wearable fitness
trackers have made it possible for consumers all over the
world to monitor their physical activity levels in an array
of methods. In addition, when combined with the use of
smartphone and computer apps, they may assist users
through a range of motivational and tracking tools to
better manage their personal health [22]. These devices
include GPS and pedometers, allowing users to track their
step count and physical activity minutes. Wearable
devices include programming that provides feedback to
the wearer on calories consumed, intensity level, and
distance covered, among other things, allowing them to
increase their physical activity levels.
Self-monitoring of one's physical well-being is
currently feasible with mobile apps, wearables, and
external sensor technology. Individuals are prone to
overestimate the duration and intensity of exercise in self-
reports; therefore, wearable technology can be used to
guarantee accurate assessment of these parameters [23].
Tools for objective assessment of the frequency, intensity,
and duration of physical activity in adults and children
have largely been developed for short-term use within
research or public health surveillance environments [24].
In laboratory-based settings, Fitbit, Apple Watch, and
Samsung appeared to measure steps accurately [25].
Recently, there has been exponential growth in the
availability of commercial physical activity apps (e.g.,
Fitbit, Strava, and Garmin). Professionals who use Fitbit,
apple watch, and Garmin were chosen for this study,
while professionals who use mobile applications such as
Strava, apple health, and Garmin connect were chosen.
Low-cost measures which are tailored to the demands
imposed by contemporary ways of life must be
implemented to address physical inactivity in clinical
and non-clinical communities.
These strategies are frequently implemented in
developing countries where the health sector confronts
greater challenges. This type of emerging technology may

14 American Journal of Educational Research
provide an alternative means of providing ongoing support
and motivation to individuals both looking to increase
their activity levels or to maintain activity levels following
a structured lifestyle intervention [26]. Chronic diseases
are frequently linked to an individual's specific principles
and way of life. The active management of a person's
chronic disease varies and differs in most aspects.
Research shows that improving the chronic disease
prevention literacy of the population is an effective
measure to improve the efficiency of individual self-
management behavior [27]. People with chronic medical
conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity are
most prone for depression and anxiety. Chronic disease
prevention literacy is one of the main contents in health
literacy evaluation system. It refers to people’s basic
knowledge, health behaviours and lifestyles, and chronic
disease self-management abilities related to the prevention
and treatment of common chronic noncommunicable
diseases, which should be possessed by healthy
individuals in order to maintain and promote health [28].
Physical inactivity contributes to many metabolic and
chronic diseases in life. It also resulted in mental health
problems. Research shows that unhealthy behaviours and
lifestyles in daily life have adverse effects on health [29].
In our research, The importance of metabolic equivalents
(METS) has been emphasized. Because physical activity
is an important part of preventing chronic disease
throughout one's life. Increasing the intensity of physical
activity by selecting appropriate METS will help an
individual increase the intensity of physical activity,
increase energy expenditure, improve mental health, and
get the most out of the exercise performed. And our
research focuses primarily on chronic disease prevention
and the importance of mental health throughout one's life.
2. Methods
Study Design
The study design involves measuring the intensity of
physical activity, energy expenditure, and mental health
among software professionals while participating in
leisure time physical activity. The study design involves
both objective and subjective measures to quantify the
intensity of the physical activity. Since, the intensity of the
physical activity involves low, moderate, and vigorous
intensity, both objective and subjective measures were
utilized in this study. The objective measures involve
movement monitors such as accelerometers and
pedometers via wearable fitness trackers. The subjective
measures involve activity questionnaires which included
the type of physical activity, frequency, duration, and the
intensity of the physical activity done within the time
frame of last three months. The study design also involves
scales like CESD-R depression scale and GAD-7
anxiety scale for assessing the mental health among the
software professionals.
Participants & Recruitment The study characteristics
involves the sample size of 140 software professionals
working in IT industry. The study was carried out in
Chennai, The capital of State of Tamil Nadu, India. In a
developing nation such as India, the province of Chennai
has been a major hub for the IT industry. Through phone
interviews, IT professionals were selected from leading
software companies in the Chennai geographical region.
The population characteristics included professionals age
between 25 to 35 of both male and female were included
in the study.
Inclusion criteria of this study were (i) Young adults
aged between 25 to 35 years of both male and female
gender were chosen. Since, the targeted population are
most prone for occupational mental health issues. (ii)
Professionals who used wearable fitness trackers during
their leisure time physical activity were chosen. The fitness
tracker utilised here are three of the most widely used
brands such as Apple watch, Garmin, and Fitbit. (iii)
Participants who had engaged in the same type of physical
activity during their leisure time with a frequency of 5
days per week for the prior 3 months were chosen for the
study. (iv) Participants who engaged in physical activity
for minimum of 30 minutes per day for 5 days in a week
were alone chosen (v) Professionals who had proper data
base summary of their physical activity over the course of
three months were alone chosen which included physical
activity parameters such as type of activity, workout minutes,
Distance walked, Average step count and calories burned.
The summary of physical activity was stored in mobile
applications like Strava, Apple health, Garmin connect.
The intensity of the physical activity was assessed
based on the type of physical activity during leisure time.
The intensity of physical activity was light activities
(<3 METS), moderate activities (3-6 METS) and Vigorous
activities (>6 METS).
The leisure time physical activity involves following
activities: - Light activities (<3 METS): - Slow walking 2 to
3 mph, Stretching exercise. Moderate activities (3-6 METS):
- Cycling 10 mph, walking 15min/mile, Badminton doubles,
Swimming slow pace, Tennis doubles. Vigorous activities
(>6 METS): - Running 6 to 10 mph, cycling 12 to 20 mph,
Tennis singles, Jogging 12 min/mile, Badminton singles.
Exclusion criteria of the study were (i) Professionals
who changed their type of physical activity over the course
of 3 months were excluded from the study. (ii)
Professionals who did not have a proper data base
summary of their physical activity in their respective
mobile applications on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis
were excluded from the study. (iii) Participants with co-
morbid conditions like Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension
and neurological disorders are excluded from the study.
(iv) Participants with any injury of musculoskeletal injury
were excluded.
Data collection procedure
Data was collected from 140 software professionals
using mobile applications such as Strava, Apple Health,
and Garmin Connect, as well as wearable fitness trackers
such as Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit that were
completely accessed and enabled with Bluetooth
connectivity throughout their physical activity during
leisure time. Data was reviewed and evaluated for
consistency in workout summary of daily, weekly, and
monthly data for the prior three months, with data
including type of activity, average workout minutes,
average distance walked, average step count, and average
calories burned. The Metabolic equivalents (METS) was
calculated based on the physical activity performed. A

American Journal of Educational Research 15
semi-structured questionnaire was used. The depression
scores from the CESD-R depression scale and the anxiety
scores from the GAD-7 anxiety scale were recorded and
all the respective collected data entered into a Google form.
3. Results
Statistical analysis
Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire
from the study participants using google form. It was
exported to Microsoft excel and analysed using JASP
version 0.8.4 software. Mean ± SD for continuous
variables, Median (IQR) for discrete variables and
frequency, percentage for categorical variables was
calculated. Chi-square test was applied to find the
association between METS and two scales (CESD-R and
anxiety scale) proportions and one-way ANOVA test was
applied to find the mean difference between various
variables such as average step count, distance walked and
calories with risk score. And Correlation graph was plotted
to find the relation between METS and scales. A p value
of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
After analysing the data from the study participants, it
was determined that those who worked out in low
intensity METS had a higher risk of CES-D depression
scale than those who worked out in moderate to higher
intensity METS during their participation in leisure time
physical activity with a (P Value 0.001) was seen (Table 1)
and (Figure 3).
Among the study participants, it was determined that
those who worked out in moderate to high intensity METS
during their leisure time physical activity had only
minimal or mild level of GAD-7 anxiety scale.
Participants who worked out in low intensity METS had
moderate to severe level of GAD-7 anxiety scale during
their participation in leisure time physical activity with a
(P Value 0.001) was seen (Table 2) and (Figure 4).
Figure 1. Demographic variables of the study population
Figure 2. Gender distribution
Figure 3. CES-D Depression scale in relation to METS
Figure 4. GAD-7 Anxiety scale in relation to METS

16 American Journal of Educational Research
Table 1. CES-D Depression scale in relation to METS
CES-D DEPRESSION SCALE
METS
P VALUE (Chi-square test)
Low intensity
N (%)
Mod-High intensity N (%)
Low risk 1 (1.2) 48 (85.7)
0.001
Mild-Moderate risk
34 (40.5)
8 (14.3)
Major risk
49 (58.3)
0 (0)
Total 84 (100) 56 (100)
Table 2. GAD-7 Anxiety scale in relation to METS
GAD-7 Anxiety scale
METS
p value (Chi-square test)
Low intensity
N (%)
Mod-High intensity N(%)
Minimal
0 (0)
38 (67.9)
0.001
Mild
36 (42.9)
16 (28.6)
Moderate 37 (44) 2 (3.6)
Severe
11 (13.1)
0 (0)
Total
84 (100)
56 (100)
Table 3. Average Calories burned, Average step count, Average distance walked(km) in relation to Risk for Depression
Variables
Low risk
Mild-moderate risk
Major risk
p value
Average step count/day
9690.94±1842.
88
6220.52±3081.33
3951.27±1161.
06
0.001
Average distance walked(km)/day
8.79±1.99
5.41±2.77
3.45±0.95
0.001
Physical activity (mins)/day
54.96±10.73
42.26±10.66
33.35±10.33
0.001
Average calories burned/hr
516.41±158.13
217.86±181.14
112.16±39.97
0.001
Table 4. Average Calories burned, Average step count, Average distance walked(km) in relation to Risk for Anxiety
Variables
Minimal risk
Mild risk
Moderate risk
Severe risk
p value
Average step count/day
9141.34±261
9.84
7137.37±319
2.87
4189.23±1
619
4348.73±13
65.6
0.001
Average distance walked(km)/day
8.21±2.59
6.39±3.01
3.5±1.37
4.23±1.01
0.001
Physical activity (mins)/day 50±8.82 48.29±14.48
33.62±10.8
7
34.55±11.42 0.001
Average calories burned/hr
576.18±127.6
1
231.67±165.4
1
124.1±64.9
9
106.18±30.8
7
0.001
Among the study participants, the individuals who
burned more calories during their participation in leisure
time physical activity had low risk for depression with a (P
value 0.001) than those with the participants who burned
lesser calories had moderate to greater risk for depression
was seen (Table 3). In relation to average calories burned,
the participants who had more average step count and
average distance walked during their daily routine had a
lower risk for depression with a (P value 0.001).
Among the study participants, the individuals who
burned more calories during their participation in leisure
time physical activity had minimal to mild risk for anxiety
with a (P value 0.001) than those with the participants who
burned lesser calories had moderate to severe risk for
anxiety was seen (Table 4). In relation to average calories
burned, the participants who had more average step count
and average distance walked during their daily routine had
a lower risk for anxiety with a (P value 0.001).
4. Discussion
In our study all the subjects were software professionals
involved in leisure time physical activity.
This was supported by Ryan M. Hulteen et al., In their
study revealed Global participation rates reflected a
consistent pattern of participation in lifelong physical
activities (e.g., swimming, running, walking) and soccer
among adults [30]. Walking has been a major leisure
activity by the subjects and this was corroborated by a
study conducted by Sandra A Ham et al., In their study
affirmed that
Promoting walking has been identified as a viable public
health strategy due to its popularity [31]. In this Study data
collection of subjects was done using mhealth technology.
This was evidenced by Milena Soriano Marcolino et al., In
their study on mhealth revealed that mHealth PA research
has demonstrated some efficacy for measuring PA and for
influencing PA behavior and sedentary behavior change
[32]. Mobile journals and questionnaires were found to be
effective for PA measurement compared to validated PA
measurement tools [33].
The purpose of this study is to determine the influence
of METS during physical activity energy expenditure and
mental health. The MET system is an easy approach
applied by medical professionals to establish and
recommend physical activity levels as well as to determine
the energy cost of these activities. The metabolic
equivalent of task (METs) of absolute intensities are (light,
<3.0 METs; moderate, 3.0–5.9 METs; vigorous ≥6.0
METs) respectively. The influence of Metabolic
equivalents (METS) on energy expenditure while on
physical activity and mental health during participation in
leisure time physical activity was determined in our study.

American Journal of Educational Research 17
The present study evaluated validity parameters of
thresholds based on absolute physical activity intensities
(expressed in METs) according to the current guidelines
[34]. In our study, The leisure time physical activity
involve following activities: - Light activities (<3 METS):
- Slow walking 2 to 3 mph, Stretching exercise. Moderate
activities (3-6 METS): - Cycling 10 mph, walking
15min/mile, Badminton doubles, Swimming slow pace,
Tennis doubles. Vigorous activities (>6 METS): -
Running 6 to 10 mph, cycling 12 to 20 mph, Tennis
singles, Jogging 12 min/mile, Badminton singles. The
Metabolic equivalents (METS) used in this study was
corroborated by Marcio de Almeida Mendes et al., In their
study affirmed that slow walking 3mph with mean METS
of 3 and for brisk walking of 6 mph with a mean METS of
5.4 and with running 8mph with a mean METS of 8.2. All
estimates for moderate intensity were higher than 3.0
METs and The higher threshold identified for vigorous
physical activity was among participants with high
physical fitness (8.2 METs) [35].
In this study, CES-D depression scale was used to
identify professionals with a cut off score for low risk <16
and mild to moderate risk from 16 to 23 and major risk
of > 23 respectively. Arguably, the Center for
Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) [36] is
one of the most widespread brief scales for assessing
depression. The accuracy and validity of the CESD-R was
supported by Nicholas T. Van Dam et al., in their study
affirmed that the exploratory and confirmatory factor
analyses, assessment of internal consistency, and
exploration of convergent and divergent validity all
suggest the CESD-R has strong psychometric properties,
making it a useful tool for assessing depression in the
general population [37]. The Reliability and Validity for
(CES-D) was further supported by Lijun Jiang et al., in
their study, The results indicate that the CES-D is a
reliable and valid instrument for assessing subthreshold
depression in Chinese university students [38]. In this
study, Participants with low intensity METS had moderate
to severe risk for Depression compared to participants with
moderate to high intensity METS who had mild risk for
depression. This was supported by Ben sigh et al., in their
study they affirmed that our findings showed that
moderate-intensity and high-intensity PA modes were
more effective than lower intensities [39]. PA improves
depression though various neuromolecular mechanisms
including increased expression of neurotrophic factors,
increased availability of serotonin and norepinephrine,
regulation of hypothalamic–pituitary– adrenal axis activity
and reduced systemic inflammation [40]. Therefore, low-
intensity PA may be insufficient for stimulating the
neurological and hormonal changes that are associated
with larger improvements in depression and anxiety [41].
In this study, GAD-7 Anxiety scale was used to identify
participants with a cuff off Score 0-4: Minimal Anxiety.
Score 5-9: Mild Anxiety. Score 10-14: Moderate Anxiety.
Score greater than 15: Severe Anxiety respectively. The
Validity and reliability of the (GAD-7) was supported by
Tahia Anan Dhira et al., in their study provided support for
modified unidimensional structure for GAD-7 and showed
high internal consistency along with good convergent
validity [42]. This was further supported by Ip Hang et al.,
were all psychometric findings presented in their study
support the use of the GAD-7 as a legitimate measure of
anxiety severity [43]. The GAD-7 Scale has been
validated within a large sample of patients in a primary
care setting in multiple studies and across numerous
nations [44]. In this study, participants with low intensity
METS had mild to moderate and severe anxiety levels
compared to participants with moderate to high intensity
METS had minimal to mild anxiety levels. This was
supported by Felipe B. Schuch et al., in their study
assessing PA according to the different intensities or
METS found that higher intensity or energetic expenditure
during PA were significantly associated with reduced
incident anxiety [45]. Given the potential for PA to
improve physical as well as mental health, PA-based
interventions may be an important trans-diagnostic tool
with an array of broader benefits to people with anxiety
disorders [46].
In our study, participants with a low risk of depression
burned more calories during physical activity than
participants with a moderate to severe risk of depression,
who burned fewer calories. This was corroborated by Jan
Wielopolskiwe et al., in their study indicated that the
reduced physical activity of depressed patients is better
reflected by significantly lower active energy
expenditure and metabolic equivalent [47]. In this study
participants with minimal to mild risk of anxiety burned
more calories during physical activity than participants
with moderate to severe risk of anxiety. This was
supported by Cornelia Herbert et al., in their study
showed that only moderate-to high-intensity aerobic
exercise had significantly changed self-reported anxiety
symptom [48]. The high-intensity aerobic exercise
reduced negative moods such as anxiety [49].
The mental health of working professionals is an
important aspect of their daily lives. Regular moderate to
vigorous METS intensity physical activity improves
mental health and increases physical activity energy
expenditure. Professionals who exercise at a low METS
intensity can increase their METS and change their
physical activity to get the maximum benefit from the
exercise. The use of fitness trackers for data collection has
made it easier for working professionals to collect
consistent data on their physical activity on a daily basis.
However, one major limitation is that the generalizability of
data collection of physical activity using fitness tracker is
limited to other working professionals, particularly in urban
and rural working community settings, due to differences in
economic status, inaccessibility, and cost effectiveness.
Following the COVID pandemic, major organisations all
over the world have focused on mental health through
various awareness campaigns. Many multinational
corporations have pioneered the work-from-home concept
in the aftermath of the pandemic. Adapting to the new
normal era through the use of technology-driven approaches
improves one's ability to monitor and track physical activity
levels as well as improve mental health, both of which are
essential. Future directions should concentrate on increasing
physical activity levels at a reasonable cost by utilising
technology-based approaches. This strategy can encourage
diverse communities to engage in physical activity for
improved mental health and quality of life.

18 American Journal of Educational Research
5. Conclusion
This study focuses on the mental health of working
professionals, particularly software professionals. This
study emphasised the importance of intensity of physical
activity through increasing Metabolic equivalents (METS)
rather than just physical activity. Our method of data
collection via mobile health technology using fitness
trackers will assist health educators in collecting data while
focusing on a specific targeted population. In our study, we
observed that participants with moderate to high intensity
METS had only a minimal or mild level of GAD-7 anxiety
and a low level of CES-D depression. This will help health
educators in focusing on the intensity of the activity rather
than the physical activity alone when prescribing exercise in
their respective population of interest.
This study will assist health educators in developing
exercise or sport participation programmes that focus on
mental health for a specific population of interest. METS-
based intensity of physical activity will assist them in
implementing the various and wider option of physical
activity based on intensity to gain the most benefit,
particularly mental health. Using a fitness tracker and
mhealth approaches enable health educators to evaluate
their interventions for their target populations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The present study was conducted entirely on the basis
of personal funds. This research did not receive any
specific grant from funding agencies in the public,
commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors also
state that they have no conflicts of interest regarding this
research project.
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