From a Health and Safety Lens: Voice-Related Concerns of Sporting, Fitness, and Wellness Leaders.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to survey conditions, behaviors, and beliefs surrounding occupational voice use in fitness professionals, including the exploration of workplace factors that could be modified following principles of risk mitigation.

Methods: Individuals who instructed or led others in physical activity were eligible for this study. Recruitment was conducted through professional networks and social media. 69 participants responded to an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of items addressing demographics, type and frequency of fitness instruction, behavioral and environmental factors, symptoms of dysphonia, voice education, protective equipment, and level of concern regarding their voice. Responses were then included in statistical and thematic analyses.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship between the presence of voice or throat symptoms and the presence of voice concerns in participants. 87.93% of respondents reported that they were not concerned about their voice; however, 72.7% of respondents reported experiencing a change in their voice, such as changes in pitch or vocal quality. Voice concerns were more likely to be noted in respondents who had participated in voice education. Thematic analysis identified global themes of a) knowledge, thoughts, and beliefs, and b) modifications to work, practices, behaviors, and conditions among the reasons for the lack of concern reported by participants. Furthermore, participants appeared to be largely aware of the potential for work-related voice issues to arise. However, whether or not they related these issues to their workplace presence and practices was less clear.

Conclusion: Sporting, fitness, and wellness leaders experience a high rate of voice and throat symptoms, yet display relatively low levels of concern about their voices in the workplace. Further investigation is needed to explore methods for altering or supplementing vocal delivery in fitness instruction to increase vocoergonomics and decrease the risk of vocal damage within this population.