A recent systematic review and meta-analysis reveals a strong association between a slower walking pace and a higher risk of developing depression later in life.
Researchers propose that gait speed could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for identifying individuals prone to depression.
Depressive disorders affect over 330 million people globally, with a higher prevalence in women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Previous studies have noted clear alterations in gait among individuals with depression, including reduced stride length and slower reaction times.
This new analysis of 10 studies, involving over 100,000 participants, found that slower walkers had up to a 30% higher chance of developing depression. This association remained consistent regardless of sex, age, or follow-up duration.
The findings underscore the potential of gait speed as an early warning sign for depression, enabling timely intervention.