Title

Vocal Fatigue Index: Validation and Cut-off Values of the Brazilian Version

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-18-2020

Description

Objectives

To complete the validation and to study the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Vocal Fatigue Index (IFV).

Material and methods

This is a validation study of a diagnostic instrument utilizing a cross-sectional design and phases with quasi-experimental design. The total sample was composed of 212 participants, divided into two groups: Dysphonic Group and Vocally Healthy Group. All participants answered the VFI protocol. Data analysis consisted of the following steps: exploratory factor analysis, validity analysis, reliability analysis, sensitivity analysis, receiver operating characteristic, and area under the curve analysis.

Results

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the VFI called Índice de Fadiga Vocal-IFV, has 17 items and four factors. The IFV is a valid, reliable and sensible instrument to measure the self-perception of vocal fatigue. The threshold values for each factor was: 4.50 for tiredness and voice impairment; 3.50 for avoidance of voice use; 1.50 for physical discomfort and 8.50 for improvement of voice symptoms with rest. The threshold value for the total score was 11.50.

Conclusion

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the VFI is a valid instrument to assess the self-perception of vocal fatigue, especially in dysphonic individuals.

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