Piano performers' experiences of Tai Chi for physical comfort and mental well-being: a qualitative study.

Piano performers reported that Tai Chi helped reduce muscle tension and pain associated with playing.

• Five piano performers who had practiced Tai Chi for at least 1 year participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
• Participants reported perceived benefits of reduced muscle tension and pain.
• The study used thematic analysis with iterative coding, grouping, and clustering to derive core themes.
• Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed before analysis.

Participants reported improved bodily coordination and tone control through Tai Chi principles such as 'lowering the shoulders and elbows.'

• The principle of 'lowering the shoulders and elbows' was specifically identified as a mechanism for improved pianistic control.
• Improved bodily coordination was among the perceived benefits reported by participants.
• Five piano performers constituted the sample for this qualitative descriptive study.

Piano performers reported enhanced focus and emotional regulation before performance as a result of Tai Chi practice.

• Enhanced focus was among the core themes derived from thematic analysis.
• Emotional regulation before performance was identified as a perceived benefit of Tai Chi.
• Participants described Tai Chi as supporting psychological calm.
• The findings are limited by the small sample of five participants.

Several participants described faster recovery from fatigue and increased efficiency during practice after incorporating Tai Chi.

• Faster recovery from fatigue was reported as a perceived benefit by several participants.
• Increased efficiency during practice sessions was also described.
• Participants integrated Tai Chi into daily warm-ups, practice breaks, and pedagogical routines.

Piano performers integrated Tai Chi into multiple aspects of their musical routines, including warm-ups, practice breaks, and teaching.

• Participants reported integrating Tai Chi into daily warm-ups.
• Tai Chi was also incorporated into practice breaks and pedagogical routines.
• All five participants had practiced Tai Chi for at least 1 year prior to the study.
• The study design was qualitative descriptive with semi-structured, in-depth interviews.