Abstract: Objective: Muscle synergy hypothesis is a classical theory which interprets the law of coordinated movement of the entire body. This study reviewed the research literatures and applications of muscle synergy hypothesis, in addition, the shooting movement of elite archers was given as an example to show the application performance of this theory. Methods: Based on literature search and summarize, the EMG signals from fourteen upper-limb and trunk muscles of national team female archer were collected and analyzed. Results: 1) The functions of each muscle synergy can be identified by associating biomechanics parameters, and the muscle synergies across varied skill-level athletes were different in completing sports tasks; 2) Based on the time synergy model,four muscle synergies were identified for different functions underpinning shooting. Conclusion: The muscle synergy hypothesis has been widely applied in the area of rehabilitation, motor development, and myoelectric control research.