title: A Daily Process Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Perceived Cognitive Abilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the role of both physical activity and sedentary behavior in daily perceptions of cognitive abilities and whether these relations exist within-person, between-person, or both.
  
  
  METHODS
  Non-experimental, intensive longitudinal research using ecological momentary assessments.
  
  
  METHODS
  College students wore accelerometers and provided end-of-day reports on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and perceived cognitive abilities for 14 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across self-reports and objective measures of behavior, daily deviations in physical activity were positively associated with perceived cognitive abilities. Daily deviations in self-reported, but not objectively-assessed, sedentary behavior also were negatively associated with perceived cognitive abilities. Contrary to previous research, overall levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors were not associated with perceived cognitive abilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings indicate that physical activity has a within- rather than between-person association with perceived cognitive abilities although between-person associations effects may require longer monitoring periods to manifest. Further research is needed to establish the direction of causality and resolve whether the nature (rather than quantity) of sedentary activities influences cognition.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Patrick T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Fitzsimmons
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Jaclyn P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Shawna E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Doerksen
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Steriani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elavsky
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Amanda L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rebar
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Conroy
keywords: concentration; exercise; intraindividual; memory; sitting