| Original Singer's Wellness Model
Abstract
Singer's Health Issues:
The Efficacy of a Wellness Model for Singers
© 1996 Dr. Karen Wicklund
Since most voice pathology has multi-factorial origins, all aspects of a singer's lifestyle must be investigated in order to begin a treatment plan. Treatment should also be multi-dimensional or wellness-oriented, focusing not only on the physical techniques of singing and general health issues, but also on the singer's stress levels, personality, and vocational choices.
Since most voice pathology has multi-factorial origins, all aspects of a singer's lifestyle must be investigated in order to begin a treatment plan. Treatment should also be multi-dimensional or wellness-oriented, focusing not only on the physical techniques of singing and general health issues, but also on the singer's stress levels, personality, and vocational choices.
Results of the PMS/Dysphonia studies showed an improvement in symptoms with the addition of an exercise and diet program (Northwestern University); a high correlation between the severity of PMS symptoms and the severity of dysphonia symptoms (Las Vegas survey); and few differences in perturbation (hoarseness) levels by group and by cycle, but a higher fundamental frequency in singers than in non-singers during the premenstrual time (Washington State University).
A 177-question Singer's Wellness Model was tested with fifteen voice students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Results showed that the singer's emotional, occupational, social/environmental, and spiritual levels of wellness were optimal; but exercise, physical vocal wellness, and technical vocal wellness were not. The physical and technical wellness areas directly influence performance quality by affecting levels of dysphonia, stamina, and technical abilities. I conclude that most singers need improvements in their physical exercise, physical vocal wellness, and technical vocal wellness areas.
Finally, the Wellness Model has greatest efficacy when interpreted individually by the singer's voice teacher, doctor, health educator, and/or other wellness professional. By utilizing the Wellness Model troublesome behaviors can be identified, and the singer can improve his/her performance and prevent the occurrence of future performance difficulties.
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