Vocal Dose for Rhythm-Based Indoor Cycling Instructors: With and Without Amplification

The purpose of this research was to characterize the voice physiology requirements of indoor cycling instructors as measured by vocal dose (distance the vocal folds travel and average voice intensity) and perceived phonatory effort with and without amplification. Using a within-participant repeated measures design, eight rhythm-based cycling instructors were consented and scheduled to teach two ecologically valid cycling fitness classes, one amplified and one without amplification. Objective measures included vocal dosimetry and ambient sound level. Perceived phonatory effort and participant demographic information were also collected. Trials were counterbalanced to avoid an order effect. Data analyses indicated a significant difference in perceived phonatory effort between trials (P = 0.005) with the amplified trial resulting in a lower effort. Statistically significant differences between vocal distance dose were not found, with an unexpected finding of increased distance dose with use of amplification. Average voice intensity for female participants was 99.6 dB with amplification and 96.1 dB without amplification. This investigation highlights the importance of occupation specific study of voice use requirements and the difficulty in generalizing the findings from one occupational voice user group to another.