Corticomuscular coherence and its non-invasive modulation in stroke applications: a narrative review

Neural activities are widely observed in the central nervous system and are essential for movement execution. Corticomuscular coherence (CMC) represents the coherence of oscillatory communication between motor cortex and peripheral muscles. Motor function impairments caused by stroke often involve abnormal CMC patterns. This review aimed to investigate CMC and how to modulate them for post-stroke functional recovery. We first introduced the origins of CMC in movement execution. We then explored how stroke affects CMC. Based on these abnormal CMC patterns, we summarized potential non-invasive neuromodulation strategies. A deeper understanding of CMC in beta band (∼15-30 Hz) could clarify the physiological mechanisms underlying movement and aid in improving stroke rehabilitation.