Análise do índice de desvantagem vocal do canto moderno em cantores da igreja céu na terra

Abstract

The human voice is one of the most complex and dynamic mechanisms, as it not only transmits words but also carries emotions and intensities that reflect the intention and emotional state of each individual. In gospel singing, the voice is used vigorously and for prolonged periods in gatherings, theaters, rehearsals, and performances, often without adequate vocal training. As most of these church singers are laypeople who volunteer, few possess technical knowledge about vocal warm-up, care, and rest practices. This intense and repetitive use of the voice, without proper monitoring, can cause vocal strain, which manifests in symptoms such as vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and dysphonia (Pinheiro et al., 2015). Objective: To analyze the vocal handicap index of modern singing in singers from the Céu na Terra church. Method: A questionnaire was applied to characterize the singers, and the Modern Singing Handicap Index (MSHI) protocol, adapted to Portuguese by Moretti et al. (2011), was used. The protocol consists of 30 items divided into 3 subscales: disability, handicap, and defect. The project was submitted to and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás under number CAE 90178525.0.0000.0037 with opinion no. 7.868.985. Results: Sixteen (16) singers from the Céu na Terra Church participated in this study, ten (10) female and six (6) male, with an average age of 33.5 years, ranging from 21 to 51 years. The results showed the following average scores: the highest score was for the defect subscale (17.9 points), followed by the disability subscale (14.5 points) and the disadvantage subscale (7.5 points), with a total average Modern Singing Disadvantage Index of 36.9 points. These scores are higher compared to other studies conducted with the same protocol, evidencing greater vocal disadvantage and a greater impact of the problem on the singer's quality of life and performance.These results indicate greater vocal disadvantage and a greater impact of the problem on the quality of life and performance of this group of singers, making intervention very important so that speech therapy can provide guidance and raise awareness about voice care and, consequently, preserving vocal health.