The authors compared the gait patterns of 15 patients with affective
disorders with those of 15 normal control subjects. The procedure involved
a frame-by-frame analysis of a film of each subject walking at normal
speed. Angle measurements were made of the hip and knee at their maximum
extension during a single gait cycle (one stride). The results generally
support the hypothesis that depressed patients walk with a lifting motion
of the leg, whereas normal control subjects propel themselves forward.Abstract Teaser