Vocal rehabilitation in singers with vocal complaints: a digital kymography analysis / Reabilitação vocal em cantoras com queixa vocal: análise da videoquimografia digital

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Vocal Rehabilitation Program associated with the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation through digital kymography in singers with vocal complaints. Methods: an experimental intrasubject comparative study in 24 singers, who underwent the rehabilitation program associated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. They were assessed with laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy before and after vocal rehabilitation. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the two assessments. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: significant differences were found in the maximum opening, dominant amplitude of the opening variation and dominant frequency of the opening variation of the right vocal fold in the posterior glottic region, and in maximum opening, mean opening, dominant amplitude of the opening variation of the left vocal fold and dominant frequency of the opening variation of both vocal folds in the anterior glottic region. Conclusion: the results showed that the Comprehensive Vocal Rehabilitation Program associated with transcutaneous electrical stimulation decreased the opening amplitude of the vocal fold, increased the vibration frequency, and improved glottal closure in the anterior and posterior glottic regions.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos do Programa Integral de Reabilitação Vocal associado à aplicação da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea por meio da videoquimografia digital em cantoras com queixa vocal. Métodos: estudo experimental comparativo intrassujeitos com 24 cantoras, que realizaram o programa de reabilitação associado à estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea. A avaliação, por meio da videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade, foi realizada antes e após a reabilitação vocal. Os testes T pareado e de Wilcoxon foram utilizados para comparação das duas avaliações. Considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: diferenças significantes foram identificadas quanto aos parâmetros de abertura máxima, amplitude dominante de variação de abertura e frequência dominante de abertura da prega vocal direita na região posterior da glote, além dos parâmetros de abertura máxima, abertura média, amplitude dominante de variação de abertura da prega vocal esquerda e frequência dominante de abertura de ambas as pregas vocais na região anterior da glote. Conclusão: os resultados mostraram que o Programa Integral de Reabilitação Vocal associado à estimulação elétrica transcutânea promoveu uma diminuição da amplitude de abertura da prega vocal e aumento da frequência de vibração, além de um melhor fechamento glótico nas regiões anterior e posterior da glote.

Índice videoquimográfico da função glótica: análise da precisão diagnóstica / Videokymographic index of glottic function: an analysis of diagnostic accuracy

RESUMO Objetivo Elaborar um indicador composto denominado Índice Videoquimográfico da Função Glótica - IVFG, a partir de parâmetros da videoquimografia digital, captados pelo exame de videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade de mulheres sem e com alterações laríngeas de etiologia comportamental. Método A amostra foi composta por 92 mulheres, destas 55 apresentaram disfonia comportamental, com presença de alterações laríngeas e vocais, e 37 mulheres sem alterações laríngeas e vocais, entre 18 a 45 anos. A avaliação vocal foi realizada por consenso pela análise perceptivo-auditiva da vogal /a/ em frequência e intensidade habituais, e classificação através do grau geral da disfonia, onde G0 indicou qualidade vocal neutra e G1 a 3 qualidade vocal alterada. As imagens laríngeas foram obtidas pela gravação da emissão da vogal /i/, em frequência e intensidade habituais para análise da videoquimografia digital. A construção do IVFG se deu pela escolha do ponto médio da glote para análise e, elaboração foi realizada regressão logística pelo programa MINITAB 19. Resultados A regressão logística contou com duas etapas, sendo que a etapa 1 constou da análise de todas as variáveis, onde as variáveis abertura máxima e fechamento glótico apresentaram significância estatística (p-valor <0.05) e o modelo se encontrou bem ajustado de acordo com o teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow (p-valor=0,794); na etapa 2, as variáveis selecionadas foram novamente analisadas e o modelo também se mostrou bem ajustado (p-valor=0,198). O IVFG foi definido por IVFG=e^(8,1318-0,2941AbMax-0,0703FechGlo)/1+e^(8,1318-0,2941AbMax-0,0703FechGlo). Conclusão O IVFG apresenta valor de corte igual a 0,71. A probabilidade de acerto é de 81,5%, sensibilidade 76,4%, especificidade de 89,2%.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop the Videokymographic Index of Glottic Function (VIGF), a composite indicator from digital videokymography parameters, captured by high-speed videolaryngoscopy exams of women with and without laryngeal alterations of behavioral etiology. Methods The sample consisted of 92 women aged between 18 and 45 years. Fifty-five (55) women with behavioral dysphonia, presenting with laryngeal and voice alterations, and thirty-seven (37) women without any laryngeal and voice alterations. Voice evaluation was performed by consensus via an auditory-perceptual analysis of the sustained vowel /a/ at a habitual pitch and loudness. Voice classification was obtained by means of a general degree of dysphonia, where G0 indicated neutral voice quality and G1 to G3 indicated altered voice quality. Laryngeal images were captured via digital videokymography analysis of a sustained vowel /i/ at a habitual pitch and loudness. The VIGF was based on the midpoint of the glottal region for analysis. Logistic regression was performed using the MINITAB 19 program. Results Logistic regression was composed of two stages: Stage 1 consisted of the analysis of all variables, where the maximum opening and closed quotient variables showed statistical significance (p-value <0.05) and the model was well adjusted according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p-value=0.794). Stage 2 consisted of the re-analysis of the selected variables, also showing a well-adjusted model (p-value=0.198). The VIGF was defined as follows: VIGF=e^(8.1318-0.2941AbMax-0.0703FechGlo)/1+e^(8.1318-0.2941AbMax-0.0703FechGlo). Conclusion The VIGF demonstrated a cut-off value equal to 0.71. The probability of success was 81.5%, sensitivity 76.4%, and specificity 89.2%.

Comparação entre a frequência fundamental acústica da voz e a frequência de vibração das pregas vocais analisada pela videoquimografia digital / Comparison between the acoustic fundamental frequency of the voice and the vibration frequency of the vocal folds analyzed by digital kymography

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a frequência da variação da abertura das pregas vocais, analisada pela videoquimografia digital, com a frequência fundamental da voz, obtida através da análise acústica, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea. Método Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico transversal. Participaram 48 mulheres e 38 homens, de 18 a 55 anos. A avaliação foi composta por análise acústica da voz, obtida pela emissão habitual da vogal /a/ durante 3 segundos, e os dias da semana, e pela videoquimografia digital (DKG), obtida pela emissão habitual das vogais /i/ e /ɛ/. As medidas analisadas foram a frequência fundamental acústica (f0), extraída pelo programa Computerized Speech Lab (CSL), e a frequência dominante da variação de abertura da prega vocal direita (D-freq) e esquerda (E-freq), obtidas através do programa de processamento de imagens KIPS. A montagem dos quimogramas constou na demarcação manual da região, compostas por linhas verticais que delimitaram largura da prega vocal e linhas horizontais que marcaram os terços posterior, médio e anterior da rima glótica. Na análise estatística, o teste Anderson-Darling foi utilizado para verificar a normalidade da amostra. Os testes ANOVA e Tukey foram realizados para a comparação das medidas entre os grupos. Para a comparação da idade entre os grupos, foi utilizado o teste Mann-Whitney. Resultados Não existem diferenças entre os valores da medida de frequência analisada pela videoquimografia digital, com a frequência fundamental acústica, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea. Conclusão Os valores da frequência dominante da variação de abertura das pregas vocais, avaliada pela videoquimografia digital, e a frequência fundamental acústica da voz são similares, permitindo uma comparação entre estas medidas na avaliação multidimensional da voz, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the frequency of vocal fold opening variation, analyzed by digital kymography, with the fundamental voice frequency obtained by acoustic analysis, in individuals without laryngeal alteration. Methods Observational analytical cross-sectional study. The participants were forty-eight women and 38 men from 18 to 55 years of age. The evaluation was made by voice acoustic analysis, by the habitual emission of the vowel /a/ for 3 seconds, and days of the week, and digital kymography (DKG), by the habitual emission of the vowels /i/ and /ɛ/. The measurements analyzed were acoustic fundamental frequency (f0), extracted by the Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) program, and dominant frequency of the variation of right (R-freq) and left (L-freq) vocal fold opening, obtained through the KIPS image processing program. The mounting of the kymograms consisted in the manual demarcation of the region by vertical lines delimiting width and horizontal lines separating the posterior, middle and anterior thirds of the Rima glottidis. In the statistical analysis, the Anderson-Darling test was used to verify the normality of the sample. The ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed for the comparison of measurements between the groups. For the comparison of age between the groups, the Mann-Whitney test was used. Results There are no differences between the values of the frequency measurement analyzed by digital kymography, with the acoustic fundamental frequency, in individuals without laryngeal alteration. Conclusion The values of the dominant frequency of the vocal folds opening variation, as assessed by digital kymography, and the acoustic fundamental frequency of the voice are similar, allowing comparison between these measurements in the multidimensional evaluation of the voice, in individuals without laryngeal alteration.

High speed digital videolaringoscopy: evaluation of vocal nodules and cysts in women / Videolaringoscopia digital de alta velocidade: avaliação de nódulos e cistos de pregas vocais de mulheres

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate and compare the parameters of Digital kymography obtained through the High-speed Videolaryngoscopy of women without laryngeal disorders, of women with vocal fold nodules and of women with vocal cysts. Methods A cross-sectional observational study in which 60 women aged 18 years and 45 years were selected. Three study groups were formed: 20 women without laryngeal disorder forming the control group (Group 1), 20 women with diagnosis of vocal fold nodules forming Group 2 and 20 women with diagnosis of vocal cysts forming Group 3. Subsequently the participants were evaluated by High-speed Videolaryngoscopy for analysis and comparison of laryngeal images using Digital kymography. The laryngeal parameters processed by the program KIPS® were: minimum, maximum and mean opening; dominant amplitude of the left and right vocal folds; dominant frequency of the right and left vocal folds; and close. Results The analysis of Digital kymography suggests that the presence of the vocal fold nodules and the vocal cysts tend to restrict more to the maximum and minimum opening of the vocal fold and the dominant amplitude of the opening variation in the middle region of the glottis. Conclusion Digital kymography parameters were similar in the presence of vocal fold nodules and vocal cysts lesions.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar e comparar os parâmetros da videoquimografia digital obtidos pela videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade de mulheres sem alterações laríngeas, de mulheres com nódulos de prega vocal e de mulheres com cistos vocais. Método Estudo observacional transversal, no qual foram selecionadas 60 mulheres com idade entre 18 e 45 anos. Três grupos foram formados: 20 mulheres sem alterações laríngeas formando o grupo controle (Grupo 1), 20 mulheres com diagnóstico de nódulos nas pregas vocais formando o Grupo 2 e 20 mulheres com diagnóstico de cistos vocais formando o Grupo 3. Posteriormente, os participantes foram avaliados por Videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade para análise e comparação de imagens da laringe usando videoquimografia digital. Os parâmetros videoquimográficos avaliados pelo programa KIPS® foram: aberturas mínima, máxima e média; amplitudes da prega vocal direita e esquerda; frequências da abertura da prega vocal direita e esquerda; e fechamento. Resultados A análise da videoquimografia digital sugere que a presença dos nódulos e dos cistos de pregas vocais tendem a restringir a abertura máxima e média da prega vocal e a amplitude dominante da variação de abertura na região média da glote. Conclusão Os parâmetros da videoquimografia digital foram semelhantes na presença de nódulos nas pregas vocais e lesões de cistos vocais.

Post-Processing of High-Speed Video-Laryngoscopic Images to Two-Dimensional Scanning Digital Kymographic Images

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV) is the only technique that captures the true intra-cycle vibratory behavior of the vocal folds by capturing full images of the vocal folds. However, it has problems of no immediate feedback during examination, considerable waiting time for digital kymography (DKG), recording duration limited to a few seconds, and extreme demands for storage space. Herein, we demonstrate a new post-processing method that converts HSV images to two-dimensional digital kymography (2D-DKG) images, which adopts the algorithm of 2D videokymography (2D VKG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HSV system was used to capture images of vocal folds. HSV images were post-processed in Kay image-process software (KIPS), and conventional DKG images were retrieved. Custom-made post-processing system was used to convert HSV images to 2D-DKG images. The quantitative parameters of the post-processed 2D-DKG images was validated by comparing these parameters with those of the DKG images. RESULTS: Serial HSV images for all phases of vocal fold vibratory movement are included. The images were converted by the scanning method using U-medical image-process software. Similar to conventional DKG, post-processed 2D DKG image from the HSV image can provide quantitative information on vocal fold mucosa vibration, including the various vibratory phases. Differences in amplitude symmetry index, phase symmetry index, open quotient, and close quotient between 2D-DKG and DKG were analyzed. There were no statistical differences between the quantitative parameters of vocal fold vibratory movement in 2D-DKG and DKG. CONCLUSION: The post-processing method of converting HSV images to 2D DKG images could provide clinical information and storage economy.

High-speed kymography identifies the immediate effects of voiced vibration in healthy vocal folds

Introduction: The effects of voiced vibration technique can be assessed by laryngeal imaging. Kymographic images derived from high-speed videoendoscopy allow actual visualization of vocal folds vibration. Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the immediate effects of the voiced vibration technique in healthy vocal folds using high-speed digital laryngeal imaging. Methods: Samples were obtained from 15 healthy subjects with no history of voice disorders (6 men and 9 women aged 21 to 43 years). High-speed videoendoscopy recordings were performed before and after the voiced vibration technique. Kymographic images were obtained using high-speed videoendoscopy. The vocal folds were examined in their open and closed positions and the characteristics of the opening and closing phases were determined. A customize computational routine was used quantify these parameters. The closing, opening, and speed quotients were also calculated. Results: In this study, women displayed statistically significant differences in opened phase (P= 0.05*), closed phase (P= 0.046*), and closing phase (P= 0.026*) phase characteristics. Men displayed the highest difference rate in opening time characteristics (P= 0.06). The closing and opening quotients for the female group showed significant differences (P= 0.029* and P= 0.049*, respectively). The speed quotient exhibited statistically significant differences in the male group (P= 0.048*). Conclusion: The kymographic images indicated that the immediate effect of the voiced vibration technique was smooth contact in healthy vocal fold vibration...

Avances tecnolóiicos recientes en el diagnóstic y tratamiento de las enfermedaades de la laringe y el tracto aerodigestivo superior / Recent technlogiical advance in diagnosis and treatment of the larynx and uupper aerodigestive trcct / Avanços ecnológiicos recentes no diagnósico e tratamento das doenças daa laringe e do trato aerodigestivo superior

Los continuos desarrollos tecnológicos, en los años recientes, han permitido un mejor entendimiento de la anatomía y fisiología de los pliegues vocales y del tracto digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como la laringoscopia de alta velocidad, la videoquimografía, la laringoscopia de acercamiento de alta resolución en la oficina y la impedanciometría esofágica con manometría, son herramientas muy importantes en la práctica clínica moderna. En lo que respecta a tratamiento, el desarrollo de equipos de láser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para la aplicación de rayos láser de diferentes longitudes de onda a sitios específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados a través de endoscopios flexibles, ampliaron las posibilidades terapéuticas, y, en casos seleccionados, las perspectivas para la ejecución de procedimientos mínimamente invasivos sin necesidad de hospitalización. El proposito de este estudio es realizar una revision y un análisis de los avances tecnológicos dirigidos al diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, sus posibles aplicaciones y limitaciones. Es un estudio descriptivo de una revisión de la literatura concerniente al tema. Se presenta una monografía y una revisión de la literatura relevante, disponible en publicaciones indexadas, con respecto a los diferentes métodos actualmente disponibles para el estudio de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, así como de las nuevas alternativas desde el punto de vista de posibilidades terapéuticas. Se hace un análisis de los aspectos técnicos importantes de cada una de las opciones, tanto diagnósticas como terapéuticas, con el fin de tener claridad sobre sus posibles aplicaciones clínicas, ventajas, desventajas y contraindicaciones.

Continuous technological developments in recent years have allowed a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds and the upper digestive tract. Diagnostic techniques such as high speed laryngoscopy, videokymography, in office high resolution close up laryngoscopy and esophageal impedance with manometry are very important tools in modern day clinical practice. As far as treatment is concerned, development of laser equipments coupled to robotic systems, fibers to deliver different laser wavelengths to specific places, and instruments to be used through flexible scopes, broadened therapeutic possibilities and, in selected cases, have made it possible to perform minimally invasive procedures with no need for hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze technological advancements for diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract, their feasible applications and limitations. It is a descriptive study of literature review regarding the topic. A monograph and a revision of relevant literature accessible on indexed publications related to different currently available methods for studying the upper aerodigestive tract diseases, as well as new alternatives from the therapeutic point of view are presented. An analysis of important technical aspects of each option, either diagnostic or therapeutic is performed with the aim of elucidating their possible clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications.

Os contínuos desenvolvimentos tecnológicos, nos anos recentes, permitiram um melhor entendimento da anatomia fisiologia das pregas vocais e do trato digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como a laringoscopia de alta velocidade, a vídeoquimografia, a laringoscopia de aproximação de alta resolução e a impedânciometria esofágica com manometria, são ferramentas muito importantes na prática clínica moderna. No que diz respeito ao tratamento, o desenvolvimento de equipamentos de laser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para a aplicação de raios laser de diferentes longitudes de onda em locais específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados através de endoscópios flexíveis, ampliaram as possibilidades terapêuticas, e, em casos selecionados, as perspectivas para a execução de procedimentos minimamente invasivos sem a necessidade de hospitalização. O propósito deste estudo é realizar uma revisão e uma análise dos avanços tecnológicos dirigidos ao diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, suas possíveis aplicações e limitações. É um estudo descritivo de uma revisão da literatura concernente ao tema. Apresenta-se uma monografia e una revisão da literatura relevante, disponível em publicações indexadas, com respeito aos diferentes métodos disponíveis atualmente para o estudo das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, bem como das novas alternativas desde o ponto de vista de possibilidades terapêuticas. É feita uma análise dos aspectos técnicos importantes de cada uma das opções, tanto diagnósticas como terapêuticas, com o fim de ter claridade sobre suas possíveis aplicações clínicas, vantagens, desvantagens e contraindicações.

Videokymographic Findings of Non-Organic Voice Disorders / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-organic voice disorders are very difficult to diagnose. The authors attempted to find out the efficiency of videokymography (VKG) which has been newly developed to evaluate the vibratory characteristics of the vocal folds in non-organic voice disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients who had voice changes without organic laryngeal pathology were evaluated. We ascertained the larynx to be free of organic disorders using the stroboscopy, following which the VKG examination was performed. The results of VKG were classified according to the common features. RESULTS: Type I showed the normal findings. Asymmetry in the amplitude of upper lips was seen in the type II. Type III showed thick glottal contact. Type IV showed level difference, thick glottal contact and asymmetry in the amplitude of upper lips. Type V had several different amplitudes of the upper lip seen in one cycle of the mucosal wave. Type VI had level difference with thin glottal contact and asymmetry in the amplitude of upper. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we were able to see the different types of VKG and that VKG could be used as a supplementary diagnostic tool in the non-organic voice disorders.

The Useful Parameters of Videokymography / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Voice quality is determined by the vibration of the vocal cord. Therefore, visualization of the vibratory characteristics of the vocal cord is very important in patients with voice changes. Several methods for directly visualizing the vibrations of the vocal cord have been developed, although none have been commercially available or widely used. Recently, videokymography (VKG) has been developed for direct observation of vibratory characteristics in the vocal cord. VKG achieves a frequency of 7812.5 Hz, which is enough to cover the whole frequency range of the human vocal cord. However, there have been no useful parameters for interpretation of the VKG findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the vocal cord vibration of 92 subjects (23 of normal, 69 of benign laryngeal lesion) and suggested 9 parameters. We analyzed VKG recordings of subjects using these parameters and interpreted the typical and common VKG findings in each case. RESULTS: There were typical differences in glottal contact, site of glottal contact, shape of glottal contact, mucosal wave, periodicity and symmetry between two groups. Amplitude of upper lip and contact quotient had a highly significant correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that these parameters would be useful to quantify the VKG findings.

Blepharokymography: A New Tool for Dynamic Eyelid Motion Analysis Using Image Processing / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of facial movements, especially eyelid movements, per se, depends largely on subjective judgments of trained clinicians. Recently, however, a few objective methods were reported although they required bothersome markers attached on the eyelids and a special-purpose high-speed video camera. This study aimed to develop a new dynamic and quantitative analysis system for eyelid motion using an image processing method without markers or a high-speed camera, and to evaluate parameters that could properly differentiate normal and abnormal states. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The system was consisted of a personal computer with a general-purpose frame grabber and a specially developed software which was named, Blepharokymography. Displacement of upper eyelids, duration of closing and opening segments, and closing and opening velocity were measured in 12 normal subjects and 5 facial nerve palsy patients of variable causes. Mean values of each parameter and the ratio of a palsy or slower side to a normal or faster side in normal and facial palsy groups were compared. RESULTS: In the normal group, the mean displacement of upper eyelids, mean closing time, mean and peak closing velocity were 8.3mm, 161 msec. 61.6 mm/sec and 146.2 mm/sec respectively. Among parameters, displacement, the closing time, mean closing velocity and peak closing velocity were significantly different between normal and facial palsy groups. CONCLUSION: By using blepharokymography system, it was possible to measure the eyelid motion objectively. Displacement, closing time, average and peak closing velocity were useful in differentiating the normal state as well as the facial nerve palsy state.