Muscle synergy comparison method for evaluation of gait symmetry

Evaluating stroke patients after gait training with a bioelectrically-controlled exoskeleton

Abstract

Understanding the reorganization of the central nervous system after stroke is an important endeavor in order to design new therapies in gait training for stroke patients. Current clinical evaluation scores and gait velocity are insufficient to describe the state of the nervous system, and one aspect where this is lacking is in the quantification of gait symmetry. We propose the use of muscle synergy analysis to quantify gait symmetry to solve this gap in knowledge. Results have revealed mechanisms of gait symmetry which could otherwise be difficult to observe with clinical scores. Furthermore, robotic gait training appears to provide an advantage over conventional gait training in restoring symmetrical neuromuscular control.