Vocal discomfort, signs and symptoms in soccer coaches and physical trainers

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the presence of self-reported vocal signs and symptoms and discomforts in the vocal tract of soccer coaches and physical trainers and to verify differences between the categories. Methods: The subjects are 13 Physical Trainers (PT) and 13 Coaches (C) of the A-series teams of the first phase of the Paulista Soccer Championship 2012. The following instruments were used: Vocal Signs and Symptoms Questionnaire (VSSQ) and Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS); statistical tests compared the categories. Results: Mean occurrence of vocal Signs/Symptoms: C=2.17 and PT=2.38 and mean number of occurring discomforts C=3.33 and PT=3.61; frequency of discomforts C=6.66 and PF=7.69 and discomfort intensity T=7.00 and PT=9.15. In both categories, the most frequently reported signs/ symptoms were hoarseness and tired voice; and the vocal tract discomfort with higher frequency and intensity was dryness. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the categories. Conclusions: The presence of discomfort and vocal signs and symptoms alerts towards the risk conditions for dysphonia in both categories. The issues of professional voice use, and vocal care and health merit the attention of soccer coaches and physical trainers, as well as of Education and Health professionals who work in with physical educators’ and soccer professionals’ education and accessory.