Aiming at the Target: The Role of Visual Illusions, Oculomotor Activity, and Cardiac Dynamics in Preparation for Self-Paced Tasks.

This thesis investigates the mechanisms underlying performance outcomes in self-paced aiming tasks through a multidisciplinary approach. Specifically, it examines the influence of visual illusions, the quiet eye phenomenon, and preparatory cardiac deceleration on motor performance. While these factors have been widely studied, their functional roles remain unclear. The first study explores how the Delboeuf illusion and cardiac activity affect shooting accuracy. Results indicate that visual illusions and pre-shot heart rate do not significantly impact action control or shooting performance. The second study compares eye-tracking (ET) and electrooculography (EOG) in measuring the quiet eye during golf putting and examines its functional role in performance enhancement. EOG is validated as a reliable method, providing insights into the temporal and spectral characteristics of eye movements. Findings suggest that the quiet eye may optimise performance by promoting motor stability and efficiency. The third study analyzes the temporal and spectral dynamics of cardiac deceleration before movement execution in golf, suggesting that parasympathetic activation plays a crucial role in optimising motor preparation. Overall, this thesis underscores the importance of synchronising physiological responses for effective motor preparation. Methodological limitations, future research directions, and practical implications are discussed.