Gait Motor Function Evaluation Based on Muscle Synergy Method*

Considering the complexity and functionality of multi-muscle synergies, involved in the human lower limb gait movement, a gait function evaluation method, based on synergy structure, is proposed. Firstly, the surface electromyography (sEMG) from selected muscles are collected and pretreated, to extract its envelope. Next, it is decoupled by the algorithm of non-negative matrix decomposition, so that the synergy elements of the gait action can be extracted and the corresponding activation coefficients calculated, while subsequently these data are converted into normalized form. Then, the energy distribution and complexity of the synergy motion are analyzed. Finally, the function of gait motion is mapped, according to synergy structure, to determine whether the gait phases are normal or not. This study is helpful for quantitative analysis of lower limb gait and evaluation of motor function, in the framework of rehabilitation therapy.