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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Investigating Causal Brain-behavioral Relationships and their Time Course
Published on: July 18, 2014
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of human MT+ reduces apparent motion perception
Daisuke Matsuyoshi1, Nobuyuki Hirose, Tatsuya Mima
1Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. matsuyoshi@psy.mbox.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
We investigated the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the human cerebral cortex on apparent motion perception. Previous studies have shown that human extrastriate visual area MT+ (V5) processes not only real but also apparent motion. However, the functional relevance of MT+ on long-range apparent motion perception remains unclear. Here, we show direct evidence for the involvement of MT+ in apparent motion perception using rTMS, which is known to temporarily inhibit a localized region in the cerebral cortex. The results showed that apparent motion perception decreased after applying rTMS over MT+, but not after applying rTMS over the control region (inferior temporal gyrus). The decrease in performance caused by applying rTMS to MT+ suggests that MT+ is a causally responsible region for apparent motion perception, and thus, further supports the idea that MT+ plays a major role in the perception of motion.
Insights
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the human MT+ (V5) visual area significantly impaired apparent motion perception. This provides causal evidence that MT+ is crucial for perceiving motion, supporting its major role in visual processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- The human extrastriate visual area MT+ (V5) is known to process both real and apparent motion.
- The precise functional role of MT+ in long-range apparent motion perception remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal involvement of the MT+ (V5) area in apparent motion perception.
- To determine if temporary inhibition of MT+ using rTMS affects the ability to perceive apparent motion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to temporarily inhibit specific brain regions.
- Applied rTMS over the MT+ (V5) area and a control region (inferior temporal gyrus).
- Assessed changes in apparent motion perception performance following rTMS application.
Main Results:
- Apparent motion perception significantly decreased when rTMS was applied over the MT+ (V5) area.
- No significant decrease in apparent motion perception was observed when rTMS was applied over the control region.
- These findings indicate a specific effect of MT+ inhibition on motion perception.
Conclusions:
- The results provide direct causal evidence for the involvement of the MT+ (V5) area in apparent motion perception.
- This study reinforces the understanding that MT+ plays a critical role in the human perception of motion.
- The findings contribute to elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying visual motion processing.
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