Effect of COVID-19 Quarantine on Voice Handicap Index in Female Classical Singers

Prior, Bruna Rodrigues; Cursiol, Jônatas Augusto; Almeida Prado, Maria Yuka de; Aguiar Ricz, Lílian Neto

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the impact of vocal deviation in the quality of life of classical female singers over the quarantine imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through self-assessments. METHODS: Fifty five professional classical female singers filled out an online questionnaire including general questions such as identification, age, professional experience time, vocal classification, time of singing, and rehearsal studies. They all answered the protocol Classical Singing Handicap Index, adapted for this research, which analyses three subscales: Disability, Handicap, and Impairment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the perceived total handicap index score (40% of 120 points). Regarding the three domains analyzed, Disability was significantly higher than Impairment (P = 0.012). In addition, the correlation with the variables identified that Impairment subscale showed a negative correlation with the variable hours of rehearsal (r = -0.335, P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 quarantine does not seem to cause a significant impact on the voice of professional classical female singers probably due to their degree of experience and vocal preparation.