Limitations and suggestions for further studies
The study has offered valuable insights into the relationship between gender, technology-based physical activity interventions, and their impact on physical activity levels and mental health in workplace settings. However, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations and identify areas for future research. One notable limitation is the potential for limited generalizability. The study’s findings may not fully represent the diversity of workplaces and employee populations, which can vary significantly. Replicating these findings across a range of workplace settings would enhance their applicability. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data for assessing physical activity levels and mental health outcomes can introduce biases, such as recall and social desirability bias. Future research could benefit from incorporating objective measures like wearable fitness trackers or clinical assessments to provide more accurate and reliable data.The cross-sectional design of the study, while informative, restricts its ability to establish causality. Longitudinal studies or intervention-based research would offer a more comprehensive understanding of how technology-based interventions influence physical activity and mental health outcomes over time. While the study identified important barriers to technology-based interventions, it may not have captured the full spectrum of obstacles faced by employees in diverse workplace environments. Future investigations should aim to explore a broader range of barriers, including those related to cultural and organizational factors. Additionally, it is worth noting that the study did not extensively examine potential interaction effects between gender and other factors (e.g., age, job role) on motivation and barriers. Exploring these interactions could provide deeper insights into how various factors intersect to influence the effectiveness of technology-based interventions.Finally, investigating the long-term mental health effects of these interventions and complementing quantitative data with qualitative insights, such as interviews or focus groups, could offer a more comprehensive understanding of employees’ motivations and experiences. In conclusion, while the study makes valuable contributions, these considerations point to areas for future research. Addressing these limitations and exploring these areas further can refine our understanding of how gender, technology-based physical activity interventions, and workplace dynamics interact to impact employee well-being.