Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain how phonation affects the weight-bearing index, (WBI), which was obtained by dividing the knee extensor strength by body weight. Phonation was in the form of shouting, and in certain instances white noise (WN) was used to mask hearing during phonation. The WBI and level of phonation were measured in 12 healthy participants (average age: 31 years, range: 21-39 years) under 4 different conditions: no phonation, maximum phonation, WN masking, and maximum phonation plus WN masking. Results revealed that there was no interaction between performing or not performing phonation and whether or not WN masking was used. A main effect was noted when phonation was performed or not. When phonation was performed with WN masking, the intensity of phonation increased significantly in comparison to when phonation was performed without WN masking.
