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Abstract
Successful interception depends on dynamically integrating visual information with motor planning to predict when and where to engage a moving target. This dissertation
comprises three studies that combine single-pulse, paired-pulse, and repetitive transcranial
magnetic stimulation (TMS) with motion tracking, eye tracking, psychophysics, and kinematic
analyses to investigate the neural basis of predictive sensorimotor control. In Study 1, we
designed a virtual target interception task that systematically varied target speed, starting
distance, and duration, showing that faster targets evoke an earlier onset and greater facilitation
of corticospinal excitability during preparation—evidence that internal models continuously
forecast visual motion properties. Study 2 compared corticospinal excitability changes during
active interception trials and passive observation while tracking the moving target with smooth
pursuit eye movements or fixating the eyes on the movement goal, demonstrating that pre
movement corticospinal facilitation is specific to motor planning and independent of oculomotor
strategy. Finally, Study 3 applied continuous theta burst stimulation to disrupt dorsal premotor
cortex (PMd) and visual motion area hMT/V5+, yielding dissociable effects on corticospinal
excitability and interception performance. These findings provide evidence that upstream visual
and premotor areas distinctly contribute to the feedforward and feedback regulation of motor
commands to optimize sensorimotor predictions. Collectively, the three studies offer compelling
insights into a distributed, adaptive sensorimotor network where internal predictive models,
precise oculomotor behavior, and task-specific motor preparation converge to support successful
interception. These findings also open promising avenues for translational applications in
neurorehabilitation and performance in dynamic environments.