Summary
depression, psychiatric, depressive symptoms
Owing to the stigma and cost barriers associated with psychiatric treatment, alternative methods that are easily accessible and user-friendly are needed to improve depression and stress management among the South Korean population. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of a mobile phone–based physical activity program on depression among adults in South Korea. Scales to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life were assessed twice (before and after program use) after allocating the adults who participated in the study to a treatment group and a waitlist group. The analysis uncovered disparities in the impact of time on depression between the treatment group and the waitlist group. In addition, the pretreatment and posttreatment comparisons indicated decreased depression and perceived stress scores in the treatment group. The study suggests that digital physical activity applications can be a valuable tool in promoting mental health and well-being, particularly in populations with limited access to traditional mental health services. These findings are particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where stress and depression have become more prevalent.