Manifestation of Anxiety in Gait

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 18% of adults are affected by anxiety. Nearly $42 billion are spent annually in the U.S. toward alleviating this mood disorder. However, only 10% of those with anxiety are receiving appropriate and effective treatment due to lack of identification. The purpose of this study was to identify gait patterns that are correlated with anxiety to improve probability of detection of this mood disorder. Past studies have examined gait and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease or in healthy individuals with induced anxiety. Our study tries to determine identifiable gait patterns that could signify the presence of increased anxiety in those without a diagnosed mood disorder. Participants (N=133, Males=50, Females=83, Age=25.8±7.96, BMI=24.8±3.8) ages 18 to 69 completed a Profile of Mood Survey (POMS) to assess current feelings of anxiety and completed a two‐minute walk around a 6 m track. Gait data was collected utilizing APDM mobility monitors. A backwards linear regression model was utilized to identify gait correlates of anxiety. The model predicted 13.1% of variance (R2=0.215, F= 2.553, p<.009) associated with anxiety. Our results showed that increased feelings of anxiety were associated with an increase in lateral anticipatory postural adjustment, lateral neck movement, toe‐out angle, transverse range of motion in the back, turn angles, and number of steps in a turn. Anxiety was also associated with decreased neck rotation, asymmetries in mid‐swing elevation, step variability, and sagittal range of motion in the back. Our results indicate that as feelings of anxiety increase in intensity, subjects present with a more narrow base of support, which may cause the increase in lateral movements during gait. Identifying gait patterns associated with anxiety mood disorders may lead to improved identification of individuals that may benefit from preventative and/or early intervention care plans. Future research should focus on whether increased anxiety is associated with a greater input from higher brain areas that overpower the rhythmic neural output of learned central pattern generators of gait. Additionally, caution should be used to ensure that multiple diagnoses are considered in the presentation of distinct characteristics of gait patterns.