Affiliation:
1. The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI
2. Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Abstract
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the vocal behaviors of group fitness instructors (GFIs), explore awareness among GFIs about voice-specialized health care, and assess the potential utility of a GFI-specific voice handicap questionnaire.
Method:
An anonymous 27-question survey was distributed digitally to GFIs. In addition to collecting demographic data and information about vocal behaviors and demands, the survey included a 10-question GFI-specific questionnaire (GFI-VHI-10) adapted from the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10.
Results:
Fifty-two GFIs participated in the study (75% female, 25% male) with a mean age of 44.6 years. Forty-six percent reported having a voice problem (VP) since entering the fitness industry. Of those 24 individuals, only four received treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in mean GFI-VHI-10 scores between the VP group (11.87) and the non-VP group (6.1), (
p
< .001). Of all respondents, 56% reported never or almost never wearing a microphone while instructing. When asked what they would do if they experienced a VP that lasted for longer than 2 weeks, only 9.6% would see a laryngologist, 23% would see an otolaryngologist, 31% would see their primary care provider, 11.5% were unsure, and 25% would ignore it and hope for spontaneous improvement.
Conclusions:
Although GFIs are at increased risk for vocal health challenges due to their occupational voice demands, their adherence to vocal health maintenance behaviors and awareness of voice-specialized health care may be limited. The GFI-VHI-10 is a promising tool in that it captured higher scores in the VP group than the non-VP group; however, further exploration is warranted.
Publisher
American Speech Language Hearing Association