Deepak Ram Thulasi Raman^1,, Ramesh C²

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.

mental health, physical activity, metabolic equivalents, wearable device, mhealth