The Physical Activity, Imaging, and Ambulatory Testing (PHIAT) Project: Protocol for a High-Frequency Ambulatory
Jonathan G Hakun1,2,3,4, Daniel B Elbich1, Jessie N Alwerdt4
1Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University, Penn Sate Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, H037, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States, 1 7175310003 ext 287082.
JMIR Research Protocols
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Executive function, or cognitive control, is key to self-regulation across the lifespan. The PHIAT project studied how cognitive aging impacts this self-regulation using high-frequency assessments of cognition and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-regulation relies on executive cognitive functions (executive function/cognitive control).
- Leading theories suggest executive control influences
- in-the-moment
- regulatory processes, but this is understudied at short timescales.
- Cognitive aging necessitates understanding how executive control changes impact self-regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- The Physical Activity, Imaging, and Ambulatory Testing (PHIAT) project investigated the influence of executive control variation on self-regulation.
- The study examined executive control across multiple timescales, from moment-to-moment to age-related differences.
- It aimed to understand how cognitive aging affects self-regulation throughout adulthood.
Main Methods:
- A 14-day high-frequency ambulatory assessment protocol was employed.
- Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with 6 daily assessments captured psychosocial factors.
- Ultra-brief ambulatory cognitive tests and activity monitors assessed cognition and health behaviors.
Main Results:
- 221 participants aged 18-89 completed the study.
- EMA data captured psychosocial factors related to health behaviors.
- High-frequency cognitive assessments measured processing speed, working memory, inhibitory control, and attention.
- Health behaviors (sleep, diet, physical activity) were monitored via EMA and activity trackers.
Conclusions:
- The PHIAT project generated a rich, high-frequency dataset on self-regulation.
- Findings offer novel insights into motivational, cognitive, and environmental factors influencing health behaviors.
- The study advances understanding of self-regulation across the adult lifespan.
