A lack of vocal health education combined with a rigorous teaching schedule has caused vocal health concerns among Group Fitness Professionals (GFIs). The long-term vocal health consequences of GFIs with compromised vocal function, however, are yet to be determined. While vocal fatigue and/or pathologies have impacted professional GFIs in several ways, there are significant concerns regarding a lack of vocal health education and an awareness of how the vocal apparatus functions.

There is emerging evidence that supports considerable fatigue and pathologies among professional GFIs. For example, AF Rumbach (2013) concluded that GFIs “are susceptible to a number of voice disorders that impact their social and professional lives, and there is a need for more proactive training and advice on voice care for instructors, as well as those in management positions within the industry to address mixed approaches and opinions regarding the importance of voice care.”

This pilot study aimed to determine the rate of perceived vocal exertion experienced by group fitness instructors stratified by age and sex. The findings will lay the groundwork for future research examining the long-term effects of vocal loading in the group fitness setting. The significance of this study will determine the impact increased vocal loading has on GFIs, particularly as it relates to overall levels of vocal health and an individual's rate of perceived vocal exertion.

Authors:
Justin John Moniz, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Justin John Moniz serves as Associate Director of Vocal Performance and Coordinator of Vocal Pedagogy at New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School where he holds the rank of Associate Professor.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinjohnmoniz

Additional website of interest
https://www.justinjohnmoniz.com/

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