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Researchers at University of Tsukuba have conducted a new study revealing that changes in blink frequency induced by mild exercise may be a subtle but powerful indicator of individuals differences in improvements in executive function, a set of cognitive processes that regulate behavior toward achieving goals. Although the average resting spontaneous (unconscious) blink frequency did not significantly increase after mild exercise, a closer look at individual differences revealed a compelling pattern: Those who exhibited an increase in blink frequency tended to exhibit enhanced executive function.

Tsukuba, Japan—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.

As the saying goes, "the eye is the window of the mind." In this context, 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 indicate 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.

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This work was supported in part by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) 21H04858 (H.S.), 20J20893 (R.K.), 23KJ1169 (R.K.),22H00494 (H.S.), 24H00670 (H.S.) and 24K20598 (R.K.); the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Grant JPMJMI19D5 (H.S.); and the Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare Grant (R.K.). This work was also supported in part by the Inviting Overseas Educational Research Units in University of Tsukuba (2016-2023) (to H.S.).

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Resting-state blink rate does not increase following very-light-intensity exercise, but individual variation predicts executive function enhancement levels.

Journal:

Journal of Physiological Anthropology

DOI:

10.1186/s40101-025-00390-x

Correspondence

Visiting Professor SOYA Hideaki
Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba
Professor Emeritus, Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Assistant Professor KUWAMIZU Ryuta
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences / Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Health and Sport Sciences
Center for Cybernics Research
Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP)