Research Interests

I focus on the effectiveness of lifestyle physical activity and mind-body interventions, such as yoga, in reducing age-related cognitive decline and improving psychosocial functioning. I am also interested in the feasibility of tech-based delivery of behavioral interventions, as well as looking at factors that predict engagement in such interventions. 

 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

I am committed to diversity and inclusion in both my professional and personal life. As a woman of color and an immigrant myself, I recognize the need for creating environments that whole-heartedly accept all forms of diversity. I believe that diversity helps us develop wider perspectives and is one of the most important factors in ensuring that we develop appropriate and relevant behavioral interventions. I strive to continue making efforts to create inclusive environments. Some of the steps I have taken in that direction are co-chairing the 'International Postdocs' committee at the OSU Postdoctoral Association, being an active member on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Task Force at the Department of Psychology, and developing tech-based interventions to increase accessibility of the interventions. 

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Hobbies

I love hanging out with friends, traveling, and eating delicious home-made food (made by others)! 

 

Publications

Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2019). Exploring Active Travel and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Relationships with Cognition among Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(4), 580-587.

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Phansikar, M., Ashrafi, S.A., Khan, N.A., Massey, W.V, & Mullen, S.P. (2019). Active Commute in relation to cognition and academic achievement in children and adolescents: A systematic review and future recommendations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 16(24), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245103

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Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2022). Cognitive and psychosocial effects of an acute sun salutation intervention among adults with stress. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 22, 100431

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Ashrafi, S.A., Phansikar, M., & Wilund, K. (2022). Subjective thirst in relation to interdialytic weight gain: A systematic review of observational studies. Blood Purification (in press). 

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Adamek, J.F., Phansikar, M., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2022). Does engaging in a variety of leisure-time physical activities lead to better cognitive function despite NOT meeting PA guidelines? Journal of Physical Activity and Aging (under review).

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Mullen, S. P., Palac, D., Adamek, J. F., Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., North, J., & Krishna, V. (2022). Perceived efficacy of evidence-based and non-evidence-based self-treatments for managing chronic concussion symptoms. Journal of Athletic Training (under review). 

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Johnson, A., Pukin, F., Krishna, V., Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (2022). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two technology-assisted vocal interventions for older adults living in a residential facility. Journal of Voice (submitted).

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Presentations

North, J., Cohen, J., Palac, D., Bullard, T., Phansikar, M., Wong, B., Wilund, K., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Increased sleep efficiency through heat therapy and exercise. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.

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Cohen, J. D., Palac, D., Bullard, T., North, J. R., Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Relationships among affect, memory, perceptions, and physical function in older adults with cancer. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.

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Mullen, S. P., Cohen, J., Palac, D., Bullard, T., Phansikar, M., North, J., Wong, B., & Wilund, K. (April, 2018). A pilot RCT testing effects of steam-room usage after exercise on cardiovascular functioning among pre-hypertensive adults. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA.

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Phansikar, M., Palac, D., Cohen, J. D., Bullard, T., North, J. R., Wilund, K., Wong, B., & Mullen, S. P. (April, 2018). Complementary effects of exercise and heat therapy on mindfulness and cognition. A poster presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

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Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (March 2019). Exploring non-recreational and recreational physical activity relationships with cognition. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington D.C.  

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Canton, I., Taggart, A., Phansikar M., Palac D., Cohen, J. & Mullen, S.P. (April 2020). Perceived mental fatigue: measurement validation in two studies of adults with chronic cognitive complaints. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco. 

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Phansikar, M., Wong, B. & Mullen, S.P. (April 2020). Relationship between perceived stress and executive functioning: the moderating role of combined exercise and thermotherapy. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco.  

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Mullen, S.P., Adamek, J.A., Phansikar, M., Canton, I., & Massey, W.V. (June 2020). Relationships among executive functioning, future time perspective, identity and physical activity self-regulation among low-active middle-aged adults. A poster presented at North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, Vancouver.

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Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (February 2021). Testing the impact of flow-based, moderate-intensity yoga on executive functioning and stress among low active working adults having symptoms of stress. A work-in-progress presentation at the Big Apple Health Psychology Colloquium.

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Mullen, S.P., Adamek, J.A., Phansikar, M., Roberts, B., & Larrison, C. (April 2021). Role of First-gen Status, Friends, Engagement in Physical Activity and Therapy in Life Satisfaction among College Students. A poster to be presented at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

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Phansikar, M., & Mullen, S.P. (April 2021). Acute effects of sun salutations on cognitive functioning and psychosocial stress among low-active adults. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.  

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Mullen, S.P., Shen, Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., Thomas, D., Lussier, M., Kramer, A., & McAuley, E. (May 2022). Primary outcomes of the cognitive regulation training and exercise (CORTEX)-II trial: Effects on physical activity engagement. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. 

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Mullen, S.P., Phansikar, M., Taggart, A., Thomas, D., Kramer, A., & McAuley, E. (May 2022). Psychometrics of the self-efficacy for exercise memory questionnaire (SEEM-Q) and associations with self-efficacy beliefs for exercise and memory. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. 

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Phansikar, M., Gothe, N., Hernandez, R., Lara-Cinisomo, S., & Mullen, S.P. (May 2022). Feasibility and impact of a remote flow-based, moderate-intensity yoga intervention on executive functioning, during a pandemic, among working adults. A research talk given at the Annual Meeting for the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. 

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