Mindful Walking Program for Older African Americans

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Oct 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a mindful walking program on the brain health of older African American adults. The researchers want to find out if participating in this program can help improve or maintain cognitive function, which refers to how well we think, learn, and remember. The trial involves two groups: one group will start the mindful walking sessions right away, while the other group will wait a little longer before joining. By comparing these two groups, the researchers hope to see if mindful walking really makes a difference in cognitive health.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be African American adults aged 60 and older who are experiencing mild cognitive decline but are still able to walk independently. They should also be physically inactive and able to understand English. Participants will take part in sessions that involve walking mindfully, focusing on their surroundings and breathing, which can be a calming and beneficial practice. It's important to note that people with certain medical conditions or those who are currently involved in other similar studies won't be able to join. Overall, this study aims to explore a new way to support brain health in a community that may be at higher risk for cognitive decline.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. African American ages 60 and above
• • 2. Mild symptoms of cognitive decline or MCI
• • 3. Physically inactive or insufficiently active (based on the 2018 US guidelines)
• • 4. Adequate hearing and visual ability to complete study tasks and assessments
• • 5. English proficiency
• • 6. Medically stable with or without medication
• • 7. Capable of providing informed consent
• • 8. Willing to be randomized to one of the two groups
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Clinical diagnosis of ADRD or other brain abnormalities (e.g., strokes, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease
• • 2. Clinical diagnosis of psychiatric disorders (i.e., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder)
• • 3. Unable to walk independently (i.e., need caregiver's assistance) 4) Plan to have surgery or relocate outside the area within the next 6 months
• • 5) Currently participate in other studies involving physical activity, mindfulness, or cognitive training