Vocal self-perception in women without dysphonia and with joint hypermobility syndrome

Abstract

This cross-sectional observational study aimed to analyze the vocal self-perception of women without dysphonia diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS). Sixty-four women (24.06 ± 3.45 years) were included and assigned, according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, into two groups of thirty-two participants each: Group 1, composed of women without JHS, and Group 2, consisting of women diagnosed with JHS. Vocal self-perception was assessed across physical, functional, and emotional dimensions using the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale, the Vocal Symptoms Scale, and the Voice Handicap Index. Results indicated that women with JHS exhibited significantly higher scores in all evaluated dimensions. Moreover, this group reported greater frequency and intensity of symptoms such as tension and pain during phonation. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that women with JHS exhibit poorer vocal self-perception in the physical, functional, and emotional dimensions compared with women without JHS.