Exercise & Brain Function: Blink Rate as a Predictor

Mild physical activity, such as a short, slow run, can temporarily but effectively boost executive function. Previous rodent studies conducted by the research team have demonstrated that mild exercise activates dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brainstem. These neural circuits may play a key role in enhancing brain function. However, technical limitations have prevented the elucidation of the precise mechanisms by which mild exercise affects the human brain.

Spontaneous blinking, an involuntary motor behavior, may be a sensitive indicator of brainstem dopaminergic activity in the brain. Correspondingly, the researchers hypothesized that blink frequency increases after exercise and is correlated with improved executive function. To test this, they reanalyzed data on blink frequency from a previous study involving healthy young adults who engaged in 10 minutes of mild exercise.

Contrary to expectations, the average post-exercise blink rate did not significantly increase. However, individual differences told a different story: Those who showed increased blink frequency were more likely to experience cognitive benefits from mild exercise.

These findings, now published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropologyindicate the potential of blink frequency as a simple, noninvasive biomarker for assessing the brain-boosting effects of exercise. With further refinement of the measurement conditions, the use of this biomarker could facilitate the development of personalized exercise prescriptions aimed at enhancing motivation and cognitive health.