Motor phenotype assessment in patients with depressive disorders using a force plate – a readout for clinical studies?

Background: Clinical observation suggests impaired motor function in patients with depressive disorders. Objective and quantitative assessment of these deficits may provide a useful phenotypical biomarker for differential diagnoses of different types of depression and interventional studies. Changes in tongue force coordination (tongue force variability) were observed in patients with depressive disorders vs. controls (Bechtel et al. 2007 [abstract]). Changed gait patterns were described, e.g., reduced propulsion forces and a slowed walking speed (Sloman et al. 1987), possibly due to prolonged stance phases (Lem…