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RESEARCH
Our research projects investigate how the affective, cognitive, and behavioral factors impact and
interplay with each other in determining psychological and physical health in different populations.
We are particularly interested in applying mobile technologies and dual-process theories to understand
the within-person, time-varying phenomena underlying health behaviors and outcomes.
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Outdoor Mindful Walking Program and Brain Health in Older Adults- African American Mindful Walking Program (AAMP)
Phone Number: 803-470-4122
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a multi-session, outdoor mindfulness-based walking program to sustain brain health (including cognition and psychological well-being). We are currently recruiting older adults who have higher risks for developing neuropsychological diseases to participate in this study in downtown Columbia, SC.
This Special Interest Project (SIP) is supported by Cooperative Agreement Number U48DP006401 from the CDC. The contents on the website do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.
This research project (1R21AG077515) is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) - National Institutes of Health (NIH). The contents on the website do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIA/NIH.
Study on Physical Activity's Role in Cognition (SPARC)
Phone Number: 803-999-7392
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of everyday lifestyle activity patterns on brain health in older adults who have higher risks of developing dementia. This study will require participants to meet with the staff a few times on campus to complete some measures, wear a light activity monitor for 20 days, and answer surveys plus play brain games on a smartphone for several days. Participants will receive compensation for their time and effort in this study. If you are interested in knowing more or participating in this study, please click the "Participate" button on the left.
Study of Physical Activity Distributions on Cognition Outcomes (PACO)
Phone Number: 803-999-7392
The Study of Physical Activity Distributions on Cognition Outcomes (PACO) is a 3-week study (21 days) to investigate if distribution patterns of physical activity can sustain cognitive functioning. We will be investigating whether daily distributions of lifestyle physical activity (i.e., frequency and duration) impact cognitive function in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. You will be required to attend 2 in-person visits to our lab on USC's campus. Participants will receive compensation for their time and effort in this study. Link coming soon!
Previous Studies
Profiles and Time-Varying Associations
Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline
The goals of this study are to (a) identify distinctive profile(s) of older adults
that are most susceptible to poor cognitive functioning based on shared characteristics, and to (b) study the association between physical activity
and cognitive change in older adults.
This research project is funded by the USC Big Data Center Pilot Grant (BDHSC-PP2022-10)
Physical Activity and Health-Protective Behaviors in College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
This survey aims to evaluate the association between college students' physical activity levels, mental health, and their COVID-related health-protective behaviors during the pandemic. If you are a college student, you have a chance to win a $20 gift card by completing this survey.