Effects of localized vibration on vocal fatigue

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of localized vibration on vocal fatigue. Twenty-eight participants, 16 females and 12 males, aged 19 to 24, were randomly assigned into (1) a vibration group that received localized vibration therapy and (2) a control group that received sham therapy. A karaoke singing task was used to induce vocal fatigue in the participants. The groups were compared on a set of subjective and objective outcome measures, including changes in self-ratings of phonatory effort and vocal fatigue symptoms, maximum pitch level as well as blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation. Compared to the control group receiving sham therapy, the localized vibration group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in terms of self-perception of phonatory effort and vocal fatigue symptoms as well as maximum pitch level. The vibration and control groups did not differ in physiological changes in blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels. These preliminary results suggest that localized vibration may have positive effects on vocal fatigue.