This study examined the influence of a physical activity (PA) program (Move Your Mood) on children and adolescents receiving services in community mental health clinics. Participants (N = 35) were referred to the (PA) program by their mental health therapist. Coaches engaged participants in individual one-on-one and group activity sessions for eight weeks. Participant heart rates were monitored during physical activity sessions and designed to achieve moderate to high intensity. Participants reported significant improvements in mood immediately following physical activity. Measures of motivation to exercise, coping, and depression were taken before program participation, at 4-weeks, and at completion of the 8 week program. Results indicate that the PA program significantly improved child and adolescent ability to cope as well as their intrinsic motive to exercise. In addition, the PA program significantly reduced self-reported depressive symptoms. Qualitative analysis indicates that social supports and enhanced self-efficacy resulting from physical activity engagement and sessions are key factors associated with program outcomes. The current study provides evidence to support three key psychosocial theories: social interaction, distraction hypothesis, and mastery hypothesis.

Stroke rehabilitation is a lengthy procedure that is necessary for stroke recovery. However, stroke rehabilitation may not be readily available for patients who live rurally due to barriers such as transportation and expenses. This shortage in wearable technology, in turn, causes health disparity among the rural population, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Telerehabilitation (TR) is a potential solution for stroke rehabilitation in rural areas. This one-case study aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of a technology-enabled at-home TR program for stroke survivors living in a rural area in Canada. A VR setup was installed successfully in the home of our participant. A tablet was also supplied for the TR program. Each program consisted of 24 sessions to be completed over a 12-week period. Our participant was assessed on day one using the Fugl-Meyer assessment, the Modified Ashworth Scale, the 10 m walk test, and the Mini-Mental State Exam. Three questionnaires were also completed, including the Motor Activity Log (MAL), the Stroke Index Scale (SIS), and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire. These assessments were completed thrice, on day 1, at week 6, and at week 12. The participant found the tablet and its accompanying exercises easy to use, with a few limitations. The participant found the VR system more challenging to manage independently as a lack of comfortability, the visual contrast during the first trials, and certain technical aspects of the technology created several functional barriers. Although some limitations with the technology were noted, this case study indicates that telerehabilitation is feasible under certain circumstances when used in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation services.