Browsing by Subject "voice problem"

Aim: The voice is an important part of group fitness instructors' work. Yet, the working conditions of group fitness instructors are vocally challenging due to acoustics, air conditioning, background noise and physical strain. Voice problems of group fitness instructors are quite briefly researched, but some studies show that these problems are common within this industry. The aim of this study is to find out what kind of voice symptoms occur among group fitness instructors, how often they occur, and also how many instructors have vocal symptoms. In addition it studies how the symptoms are felt to influence on individuals functioning and if there is a connection between the symptoms and the handicap caused by them. Methods: The material was gathered using an electrical survey and formed by answers of 276 group fitness instructors. All the subjects worked as group fitness instructors at least once a week. The survey had three parts: basic knowledge form, vocal symptom survey of seven symptoms and Voice Activity and Participation Profile. The material was analysed using statistical methods on program IBM SPSS Statistics 22. Statistical testing was made using nonparametrical tests. Frequencies, percentages and characteristics were calculated. Subjects were divided in two groups depending on whether they had two or more symptoms daily or weekly, or less than that. Results and conclusions: Almost two out of three of the respondents had at least one voice symptom weekly. About half of the subjects had two or more symptoms weekly or more often, which is considered as a severe amount. Voice getting strained, tired and hoarse were the most common voice symptoms. The effect of the voice problem on functioning were considered mild. However, the amount and rate of symptoms had a linear effect on functioning and wellbeing. Also, the subjects who had two or more symptoms daily or weekly were more restricted on their functioning. Vocal training received by group fitness instructors was thin. It could be beneficial to add aspects of vocal ergonomics on group fitness instructors' training and work.