Rhythm Experience and Africana Culture Trial

A Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention task will be administered at baseline, and then following the intervention (6 months). The main outcome from this task is the computed score from the NIH Toolbox, which reflects the participant's ability to inhibit responses to irrelevant information while focusing attention on a target stimulus. In each trial, participants make a directional response to a center arrow when the flanking arrows are arranged in congruent vs. incongruent direction from the center stimulus. The computed score combines accuracy and reaction time into a single performance metric, ranging from 0 to 10, with higher values indicating better performance. Group differences will be tested on this outcome.

Structural scans will be collected at baseline as well as following the intervention. Hippocampal volume will be calculated in mm3. The investigators will examine group differences in size of the hippocampus following the intervention.

Investigators are assessing change in cognitive function from baseline to 12 months. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery will be used that assesses 5 domains of cognitive function (Working Memory, Processing Speed, Episodic Memory, Attentional Control, and Visuospatial Function). We will perform a confirmatory factor analysis on the cognitive data and determine whether the exercise intervention influences performance as measured by these factors. There is no min and max values. These are generated from a confirmatory factor analysis that normalizes the scores around 0 (being the mean). As such, positive values reflect better performance and negative values reflect poorer cognitive performance. Since the scores are standardized we can calculate the changes in standard deviations - e.g., a shift of 0.5 would be an improvement of ½ standard deviation in performance based on the sample average.

We will be recording all prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that the study participant is currently taking and will examine whether the intervention effects vary as a function of medication use.

The investigators will conduct a sub-maximal fitness test before and after the intervention in order to calculate each participant's fitness level (via estimated VO2 max). The investigators will examine group differences in fitness following the intervention.

Senior Fitness Test will be used to measure various aspects of fitness - e.g., balance, flexibility, strength. We will examine whether the exercise intervention improves any marker of fitness.

The investigators will collect objective physical activity levels via wrist-worn accelerometers every 6 weeks throughout the intervention. Steps per day will be a primary outcome from the actigraphy. The investigators will examine changes in physical activity over the intervention.

Exercise frequency will be measured using Actigraph Link physical activity monitoring device. This device is small and lightweight. It is worn around the non-dominant wrist(touching the skin) for approximately 7 days during all waking and sleeping hours. We will examine whether the intervention altered this measure of daily activity.

Exercise intensity will be measured using the Actigraph Link physical activity monitoring device. This device is small and lightweight. It is worn around the non-dominant wrist (touching the skin) for approximately 7 days during all waking and sleeping hours. We will examine whether the exercise intervention altered amount of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activities during daily life.

Exercise duration will be measured using Actigraph Link physical activity monitoring device. This device is small and lightweight. It is worn around the non-dominant wrist (touching the skin) for approximately 7 days during all waking and sleeping hours.. The duration is measured in minutes. We will examine whether the exercise intervention altered amount of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activities during daily life.

Participants will be weighed on a calibrated stadiometer both before and after the intervention. The investigators will examine percent changes in body weight in the groups before and after the intervention.

MRI will be used to measure volumetric changes in hippocampal subfields.

MRI will be used to measure changes in white matter microstructure in relation to the intervention.

MRI will be used to measure changes in white matter microstructure in relation to the intervention.

MRI will be used to measure changes in cerebral blood flow. Total cerebral blood flow changes over the course of the intervention will be evaluated.

MRI will be used to measure changes in resting state brain function. We will examine whether the intervention alters resting state connectivity metrics.

MRI will be used to measure changes in encoding and retrieval during a relational memory task.

MRI will be used to measure changes in brain activity task-evoked patterns using an N-back working memory task.

MRI will be used to measure average cortical thickness over the course of the intervention.

The investigators are collecting data on changes in blood biomarkers including levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.

The investigators will examine whether changes in markers of insulin resistance change over the course of the intervention and whether these changes mediate neurocognitive outcomes.

The investigators are collecting data on changes in average blood sugar levels (HbA1C)

Combining information from the MacArthur questionnaire to develop Social Economic Status of participants, we will examine whether the effectiveness of the intervention varied by SES levels of the participants. The SES composite is generated using a confirmatory factor analysis of various SES indicators - e.g., income, debt, savings, etc. The scores are normalized so that 0 is the average for the sample, higher numbers reflect higher SES, and lower numbers indicate lower SES.

Health History assesses medical history and lifestyle habits such as alcohol and tobacco use. We will examine whether any neurocognitive outcomes vary as a function of these health conditions and behaviors.

The investigators are collecting a questionnaire measuring depressive symptoms, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The CES-D is a 20-item measure that asks caregivers to rate how often over the past week they experienced symptoms associated with depression, such as restless sleep, poor appetite, and feeling lonely. Response options range from 0 to 3 for each item (0 = Rarely or None of the Time, 1 = Some or Little of the Time, 2 = Moderately or Much of the time, 3 = Most or Almost All the Time). Scores range from 0 to 60, with high scores indicating greater depressive symptoms. The questionnaire will be administered at baseline as well as at the 6-month followup.

The investigators are collecting a questionnaire measuring self-perceived loneliness, the University of California Loneliness Scale (UCLALS). This is a 20-item scale in which participants rate frequency of feelings of loneliness and social isolation on a 4 point scale ranging from "never" to "often". A total score is computed which can range from 20- 80. Higher scores indicate more loneliness. The questionnaire will be assessed at baseline as well as at the 6-month followup.

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) assesses a core characteristic of mindfulness mainly open or receptive awareness of and attention to what is taking place in the present. We will examine whether the exercise intervention altered measures of mindfulness. Score scale runs 15-90 with higher scores reflecting more mindfulness.

The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is used to measure mood and emotion. It is comprised of 20 items, with 10 items measuring positive affect (e.g., excited, inspired) and 10 items measuring negative affect (e.g., upset, afraid). Each item is rated on a five-point Likert scale. Positive affect scores range from 10 to 50, and negative affect scores range from 10 to 50.

The STAI is a validated 20 item self-report assessment which includes separate measures of state and trait anxiety. The inventory includes 40 items on a 4-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety.

The McGill Pain Questionnaire is used to evaluate a person's perception of pain. It can be used to monitor the pain over time and to determine the effectiveness of any intervention. We will examine whether the intervention alters perceptions of pain in late adulthood. Score scale runs 0-45 with higher values meaning more pain.

The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale assesses self-report whole-body physical and mental tiredness related to activities of fixed intensity and duration in adults age ≥60. The scale includes 10 items, each measured on a 5-point Likert scale for a total score of 0-50. Higher scores indicate higher fatigability.

Sitting Time Questionnaire scores how much time is spent sitting during 5 different events on a weekday and weekend day. We will examine whether participating in the intervention alters amount of time spent sitting. Calculate weekly minutes with higher values in minutes = more sedentary (sitting time)

The Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire assesses self-report weekly frequency and duration of a variety of lifestyle physical activities that are meaningful and appropriate for older adults. It includes activities of various intensities (from light to vigorous) such as walking, running, hiking, swimming, bicycling, dancing, tennis, aerobics, yoga/tai chi, gardening, and housework. For each activity, the following measures are scored: frequency per week, hours per week, estimated caloric expenditure per week, and mets/kg/week.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be used to assess perceived sleep quality. We will examine whether the exercise intervention alters perceived sleep quality. All components have score range 0-3 with lower number equal to better sleep quality.

The investigators will use the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (EXSE) to assess belief in the ability to continue exercising three times a week at a moderate intensity for 40 plus minutes a session into the future. We will examine whether this measure predicts long-term adherence outcomes. Score scale runs 0-100 with higher values = higher confidence to continue to exercise (3X's week for 40 + minutes) in the future 8 weeks

BARSE questionnaire assess degrees of confidence that one could exercise despite a variety of limitations such as during bad weather, while on vacation, etc. This scale was designed to tap subjects' perceived capabilities to exercise three times per week for 40 minutes over the next two months in the face of commonly identified barriers to participation. We will examine whether measures of barriers predicts adherence and compliance to the intervention. Scale 1-100, higher values = higher level of perceived capability to overcome barriers to exercise

Social Provisions Scale (SPS):A 24-item scale assessing six relational provisions: attachment, or emotional support; social integration, or network support; reassurance of worth, or esteem support; reliable alliance, or tangible aid; guidance, or informational support; and the opportunity of nurturance.The items were modified for the exercise setting. For example, one of the statements used to assess social integration was "I feel part of the exercise group". We will examine whether social provisions relates to adherence to the intervention. Each subscale has range of 4 - 16 with total score range 24 - 96, higher values = higher social relationship (ppt. is receiving that provision)

Physical Activity Self-Regulation Scale, 12-item version (PASR-12): (PASR-12 FORM) A 12-item version of a popular 43-item self-regulation scale. Participants were asked to rate how often they used each strategy on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (very often). We will examine whether measures of self-regulation predicts adherence and compliance to the intervention. Each subscale has range of 2 - 10, higher scores = greater use of self-regulation strategies. Summary score has range of 12 - 60

Hunger and Major (2015) developed a perceived weight discrimination scale based on a widely-used measure of racial discrimination. Participants respond to five items (e.g., "In the past 12 months, how often other people treated you unfairly because of your weight?") on 0 (never) to 4 (all the time) scales. We will examine whether the exercise intervention modified measures of perceived weight discrimination.

The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) taps into eight health concepts: physical functioning, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health problems, role limitations due to personal or emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and general health perceptions. It also includes a single item that provides an indication of perceived change in health. We will examine whether the exercise intervention modified measures of health related quality of life. Each concept has a score range of 0-100 with higher scores equal to more favorable health traits.

We will use the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) as a global cognitive judgement of study participants life satisfaction. We will examine whether the exercise intervention altered SWLS measures. Total score range is 5 -35 with higher scores equal to greater satisfaction with life.

Everyday Cognition (ECOG)(Short version) measures subjective cognitive performance. We will examine whether the intervention alters this subjective/perceived level of cognitive function. Score range is 1 - 4 with lower scores equal to better daily function.

Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Applied Cognition: (Abilities) This is a brief self-report of perceived cognitive abilities for daily functioning. We will examine whether the intervention alters this subjective/perceived level of cognitive function. Scale 8-40, assess ppt. perceived functional abilities in regard to cognitive tasks. Higher value = higher self-perceived ability in cognition.

PROMIS Applied Cognition: (General Concerns) This is a brief self-report of perceived difficulties with cognition for daily functioning. We will examine whether the intervention alters this subjective/perceived level of cognitive function. Scale 8-40. Lower score = less cognitive concerns

The Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI) is a model that identifies four dimensions of African American racial identity: salience, centrality, regard, and ideology. We will examine whether racial identity acts as mediator to cognitive performance post-intervention.

The Index of Race-Related Stress (IRRS) is one of the most commonly used measures to assess race-related stress among Black Americans. We will examine whether racial identity acts as mediator to cognitive performance post-intervention.