Influence of post-stroke fatigue on reaction times and corticospinal excitability during movement preparation

Reduced corticospinal excitability at rest is associated with post-stroke fatigue (PSF). However, it not known if prior to a movement also altered in which may then influence subsequent behaviour. We hypothesized that the levels of PSF can be explained by differences modulation during preparation. 73 stroke survivors performed an auditory reaction time task. Corticospinal was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Fatigue quantified severity scale. The effect and on analysed mixed effects model. Those greater showed reduced suppression preparation increased facilitation immediately onset (? = ?0.0066, t ?2.22, p 0.0263). Greater fatigue, slower times closer stimulation 0.0024, 2.47, 0.0159). Lack pre-movement high indicate poor sensory processing supporting attenuation model fatigue. take systems-based approach investigate motor system its role pathological allowing us move towards gaining mechanistic understanding chronic