title: The Effects of Tai Chi Practice With Asynchronous Music on Compliance and Fall-Related Risk Factors in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Pilot Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined whether practicing Tai Chi (TC) along with music can maximize the effects of TC on compliance and fall-related risk factors (Dynamic Gait Index and fear of falling).
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenient sample was recruited in a community senior center. Eighteen women aged 50 to 84 years (9 White, 9 Black) were block randomly assigned to a TC in silence (TC + S; n = 6) or a TC with music (TC + M; n = 12) class.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen participants (4 in TC + S group, 9 in TC + M group) with completed pre- and posttests were included in the final analysis. Paired t tests were conducted to examine changes within groups over time and analysis of covariance was used to assess group differences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 15 weeks of intervention, balance increased in both groups with significantly higher benefits in the TC + M group ( p < .05). Fear of falling scores improved in TC + M group and compliance rate was higher in this group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Practicing TC + M may help increase adherence in White and Black middle-aged and older women, and maximize the effects of TC on fall-related risk factors. Studies with more rigorous study design, including musical considerations, are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University, New Orleans.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Du
authors.affiliation: Tulane University, New Orleans.
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Tulane University, New Orleans.
authors.forename: Qingwen
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Xu
keywords: Black/African American; Tai Chi; chronic conditions; older adults; women