ERIC Number: EJ795594
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Oct
Pages: 4
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0730-3084
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Vocal Health for Physical Educators
Trout, Josh; McColl, Douglas
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (JOPERD), v78 n8 p12-14, 50 Oct 2007
Evidence suggests that teachers are often at risk for vocal disease and are more likely to change occupations because of their voice problems compared to non-teachers. Physical educators are especially at risk for voice problems due to the intense daily demands of voice projection. Chronic abuse can cause swelling and inflammation of the thyroarytenoid musculature. When the voice becomes hoarse and weak, the teacher may overcompensate by pushing the vocal mechanism even harder, which leads to the voice becoming worse over time. This cycle can cause vocal nodules to develop, requiring speech-language therapy or even surgery. Fortunately, vocal disease is often preventable. This article discusses various types of voice amplification devices that allow the voice to be amplified while speaking at a normal volume. Whistle combinations, hand signals, arm gestures, and other strategies can also minimize the need for voice projection. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Diseases, Surgery, Speech Therapy, Voice Disorders, Physical Education Teachers, Risk, Prevention, Health Behavior, Audio Equipment, Nonverbal Communication
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A