Related Experiment Videos
Vocal parameters of aerobic instructors with and without voice problems
Virginia Wolfe1, Joanne Long, Heather Conner Youngblood
1Auburn University Montgomery, Alabama 36124-4023, USA. vwolfe@edla.aum.edu
Summary
Female aerobic instructors with voice problems exhibit poorer vocal function and use their voices more intensely during exercise sessions. This highlights potential risks for vocal fold pathology in this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Vocal pedagogy
- Occupational voice disorders
- Exercise science
Background:
- Aerobic instructors are susceptible to vocal fatigue and vocal fold pathologies due to occupational voice demands.
- Understanding the relationship between self-reported voice issues and objective vocal measurements is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate objective vocal function differences between aerobic instructors with and without self-reported voice problems.
- To assess immediate changes in vocal parameters before and after a 30-minute aerobic instruction session.
Main Methods:
- Six female aerobic instructors (3 with self-reported voice problems, 3 without) participated.
- Vocal function measures, including perturbation (jitter) and electroglottography (EGG), were recorded.
- Measurements were taken pre- and post- a 30-minute aerobic exercise session.
Main Results:
- Instructors with voice problems showed higher jitter and lower harmonic-to-noise ratios in sustained vowels.
- No significant immediate changes in perturbation or EGG measures were observed post-instruction.
- Subjects with voice problems used greater vocal intensity and longer phonation duration during instruction.
Conclusions:
- Pre-existing vocal function deficits, rather than immediate post-exercise changes, characterize instructors with voice problems.
- Higher vocal intensity and phonation time may contribute to vocal fatigue and pathology risk in aerobic instructors.