Application of Muscle Synergies for Gait Rehabilitation After Stroke: Implications for Future Research

Background/Objective: Muscle synergy analysis based on machine learning has significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the central nervous system motor control of gait and has identified abnormal gait synergies in stroke patients through various analytical approaches. However, discrepancies in experimental conditions and computational methods have limited the clinical application of these findings. This review seeks to integrate the results of existing studies on the features of muscle synergies in stroke-related gait abnormalities and provide clinical and research insights into gait rehabilitation. Methods: A systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted, yielding 10 full-text articles for inclusion. Results: By comprehensively reviewing the consistencies and differences in the study outcomes, we emphasize the need to segment the gait cycle into specific phases (e.g., weight acceptance, push-off, foot clearance, and leg deceleration) during the treatment process of gait rehabilitation and to develop rehabilitation protocols aimed at restoring normal synergy patterns in each gait phase and fractionating reduced synergies. Conclusions: Future research should focus on validating these protocols to improve clinical outcomes and introducing indicators to assess abnormalities in the temporal features of muscle synergies.