MINDFUL MOVEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE: UNDERSTANDING FITNESS MODALITIES AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

Anna Leigh B. Botones, John Jovaniel C. Deang, Lilian Jerina V. Galon, Frankline Jhon M. Cabannero

Abstract


This study examined the relationship between fitness modality preference and mental well-being among college students enrolled in PATHFIT 2 at Mapúa University. With the increasing integration of digital fitness applications such as Strava alongside structured functional movement activities, understanding their comparative psychological impact has become increasingly relevant. Grounded in Mindfulness Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. A total of 138 students participated in the study. Mental well-being was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and two open-ended questions explored students’ perceptions of how physical activity influenced their stress and mood. Descriptive statistics, an independent-samples t-test, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that 77.5% of students preferred traditional functional movement, while 22.5% preferred digital app–guided exercise. Although students who preferred traditional movement showed slightly higher mean mental well-being scores (M = 50.58) than those who preferred digital modalities (M = 49.29), the difference was not statistically significant (t = 0.71, p = 0.48). Qualitative findings indicated that psychological benefits were primarily attributed to physical challenge, stress relief, social interaction, and activity pacing rather than modality type. The study concludes that while structured instructor-led functional movement was more preferred among students, both structured instructor-led functional movement programs and digital fitness modalities were associated with positive mental well-being. Engagement quality, rather than delivery format, appears to be the key factor influencing psychological outcomes. Recommendations included integrating both modalities within physical education programs and emphasizing meaningful engagement during activities.

Keywords


fitness modality, mental well-being, digital fitness, traditional functional movement, college students, WEMWBS

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i6.6969

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