Relation Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Voice Self-Assessment in Tele-Operators

Abstract

To investigate musculoskeletal pain, vocal fatigue, and voice-related quality of life of tele-operators and compare these aspects with nonvoice-related professionals; and verify if there is a relationship between musculoskeletal pain and vocal fatigue and voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) of tele-operators and nonvoice-related professionals. Thirty-five tele-operators (SG) and 35 nonvoice-related professionals with no vocal complaints (control group) participated in the study. All of them answered investigating questionnaires of musculoskeletal pain, vocal fatigue index, and V-RQOL. The data were statistically analyzed in aim to compare the groups and the association between variables. Women from SG presented higher pain frequency in their upper back than women from control group (P = 0.039). Different correlations were observed between musculoskeletal pain and vocal fatigue, just as between musculoskeletal pain and V-RQOLindex, for men and women in both groups. However, men presented a higher number or correlations between the protocols than women from both groups. Female tele-operators presented higher pain frequency on their upper back when compared to nonvoice-related professional women. Musculoskeletal pain has a negative impact on voice-related quality of life and on the increase of vocal fatigue during oral communication, regardless of the professional use of the voice.