Proposed Adaptation for Measuring Vocal Effort Based on the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE)

Abstract

This study proposed an adaptation of the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) and the Modified Borg CR-10 Scale to measure vocal effort. Translation and application processes were carried out in accordance with the guidelines provided by the International Test Commission (ITC). The translation process resulted in an initial scale developed in Chilean Spanish, tailored explicitly for vocal effort. The application process involved fifteen participants with an ENT diagnosis of dysphonia. They also had the opportunity to provide feedback on the semantic and morphosyntactic content of the scale, as well as on the incongruence of specific terms with Chilean usage norms. No observations were reported by the participants in this regard. Subsequently, the final version of the instrument was obtained, which included directions that assist in representing vocal effort, specific application instructions, and different categories expressing varying degrees of vocal exertion. In conclusion, this study proposes an adaptation of the aforementioned instruments to measure vocal effort in the Chilean context.