Jan G Svec1, Harm K Schutte. 1. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic. SvecJanG@gmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kymographic imaging is a modern method for displaying and evaluating vibratory behaviour of the vocal folds which is crucial for voice production. This review summarizes the state of the art of this method, and focuses on the progress in this area within the last 5 years. RECENT FINDINGS: Videokymography, using a special videocamera, offers high-speed (video)kymographic images in real time, which is advantageous in daily clinical practice. Two other methods use software to create kymograms retrospectively: digital kymography processes high-speed videolaryngoscopic recordings and offers numerous research possibilities, whereas strobovideokymography processes videostroboscopic recordings, and its use is limited to regular vibration patterns. Current studies reveal that high-speed kymographic images allow more reliable visual evaluation of vibrations than by watching video recordings. Image analysis procedures have been advanced to quantify the vibration properties of the vocal folds. New information has been obtained on asymmetry, mucosal waves, irregularities, phonation onset, and nonlinear dynamic phenomena in voice disorders, as well as in singing. SUMMARY: High-speed kymography visualizes vibratory features which are not simply observable via traditional methods. It shows large potential in better understanding the functional origin of hoarseness and unsteady phonatory states. Further research in this area is envisioned.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kymographic imaging is a modern method for displaying and evaluating vibratory behaviour of the vocal folds which is crucial for voice production. This review summarizes the state of the art of this method, and focuses on the progress in this area within the last 5 years. RECENT FINDINGS: Videokymography, using a special videocamera, offers high-speed (video)kymographic images in real time, which is advantageous in daily clinical practice. Two other methods use software to create kymograms retrospectively: digital kymography processes high-speed videolaryngoscopic recordings and offers numerous research possibilities, whereas strobovideokymography processes videostroboscopic recordings, and its use is limited to regular vibration patterns. Current studies reveal that high-speed kymographic images allow more reliable visual evaluation of vibrations than by watching video recordings. Image analysis procedures have been advanced to quantify the vibration properties of the vocal folds. New information has been obtained on asymmetry, mucosal waves, irregularities, phonation onset, and nonlinear dynamic phenomena in voice disorders, as well as in singing. SUMMARY: High-speed kymography visualizes vibratory features which are not simply observable via traditional methods. It shows large potential in better understanding the functional origin of hoarseness and unsteady phonatory states. Further research in this area is envisioned.
Authors: Zdeněk Fík; Jaromír Astl; Michal Zábrodský; Petr Lukeš; Ilja Merunka; Jan Betka; Martin Chovanec Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2014-04-08 Impact factor: 3.411
Authors: C P H Elemans; J H Rasmussen; C T Herbst; D N Düring; S A Zollinger; H Brumm; K Srivastava; N Svane; M Ding; O N Larsen; S J Sober; J G Švec Journal: Nat Commun Date: 2015-11-27 Impact factor: 14.919