Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Phonatory Function: A Possible Therapeutic Technique

Abstract

Background: Whole body vibration is a passive exercise modality with a vertically vibrating platform on which a person stands or sits. The physical oscillations transfer energy to the subject’s body and cause muscle contraction. These oscillations also set body organs, including the larynx, into vibration. It has been shown whole body vibration reduces muscle tension and fatigue. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether whole body vibration would reduce vocal fatigue. Methods: Thirty healthy individuals, aged 19 to 25 years were divided into two groups. Both groups underwent a prolonged karaoke singing task and sang continuously for at least 120 minutes. The experimental group was given 10 minutes of whole body vibration after the singing task and the control group was given a sham laser probe around the neck area for 10 minutes. Changes in ease of phonation, vocal fatigue symptoms, and phonatory function, as measured by the highest pitch produced, were measured before and after the interventions. Results: The group that received whole body vibration intervention demonstrated significant greater improvement in ease of phonation (p < .01) and vocal fatigue symptoms (p < .001) than the control group. Conclusion: Whole body vibration has a potential in improving vocal fatigue and may be a useful tool in voice therapy. A physiological hypothesis will be discussed to account for the apparent effect of whole body vibration on phonatory function.