Gait kinematics are different between asymptomatic individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy controls

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD) exhibit gait abnormalities during symptomatic phases, but whether gait patterns are affected during asymptomatic phase is not known. Accordingly, this study aimed to describe gait patterns in asymptomatic individuals with BPD (n=14) as compared to healthy controls (n=14). Subjects performed gait trials at self-selected comfortable speed on an 8-meter walkway. Mean gait speed was similar between the two groups. When statistically controlling for the effects of gait speed on outcomes, asymptomatic individuals had significantly longer stride length, slower cadence, smaller shoulder, elbow and ankle ranges of motion (ROM), and larger hip ROM compared to unaffected controls. Findings suggest that mood disorders may disrupt gait kinematics, even when subjects are asymptomatic.