Perceptions Around Vocal Health Among Group Fitness Instructors and Pilot Use of Group Fitness Instructor–Specific Voice Handicap Questionnaire

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. 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. 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. 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.