The role of gaze in social requests

Observing eye gaze and body movements provides a relevant source of information for social interaction. This study investigated whether observing other\u2019s gaze \u2013 pointing toward an object \u2013 affects motor responses in onlookers. By using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (spTMS) on primary motor cortex (M1), we assessed corticospinal excitability while participants observed actions sequences eliciting or not interactive responses. Results showed an inhibitory pattern in observers\u2019 muscles when the actor\u2019s gaze was pointing to a salient object for the interaction. However, this pattern was in striking contrast with the \u2018willingness to interact\u2019, as reported by participants in a following questionnaire. Overall, these data seem to indicate that the joint contribution of gaze and request gesture increases participants\u2019 proactivity (as indicated by the self-reports), so that muscular inhibition is necessary in order to prevent overt reaction