Relationship between Eye Blink Frequency and Incremental Exercise among Young Healthy Men

Abstract

The aim of the study was to verify the correlation between the frequency of blinking and aerobic physical exercise. The research subjects were 13 healthy man aged 23.3 ± 1 year. Measurements of the blink rate and eye closure times were performed during a progressive aerobic test on a cycle ergometer. During the test, power was gradually increased every minute by 25 W, starting from 50 W. Data acquisition involved using a GoPro camera mounted to the helmet of the research subject. The test continued until the research subject refused to continue. The subjects did not know the goal of the test, in order to ensure objectivity and obtain natural results. The largest number of statistically significant differences was observed between the initial stages and 250 W, as well as between 250 W and 325 W. The analysis showed no significant differences in blink rate, eye closure time, and single blink time in terms of heart rate ranges. Regression models were also determined for eye closure time, blink frequency, and single blink time. The analysis showed that blink frequency and eye closure time were determined by a group of factors (the value of cycle ergometer load power, heart rate, body weight, adipose tissue mass, fat-free mass, and total body water and body surface ratio).