Posture and body image in individuals with major depressive disorder: a controlled study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to quantify posture and body image in patients with major depressive disorder during episodes and after drug treatment, comparing the results with those obtained for healthy volunteers. METHOD: Over a 10-week period, we evaluated 34 individuals with depression and 37 healthy volunteers. Posture was assessed based on digital photos of the subjects; CorelDRAW software guidelines and body landmarks were employed. Body image was evaluated using the Body Shape Questionnaire. RESULTS: During depressive episodes (in comparison with the post-treatment period), patients showed increased head flexion (p < 0.001), increased thoracic kyphosis (p < 0.001), a trend toward left pelvic retroversion (p = 0.012) and abduction of the left scapula (p = 0.046). During remission, patient posture was similar to that of the controls. At week 1 (during the episode), there were significant differences between the patients and the controls in terms of head flexion (p < 0.001) and thoracic kyphosis (p < 0.001); at weeks 8-10 (after treatment), such differences were seen only for shoulder position. The mean score on the Body Shape Questionnaire was 90.03 during the depressive episode, compared with 75.82 during remission (p = 0.012) and 62.57 for the controls. CONCLUSION: During episodes of depression, individuals with major depressive disorder experience changes in posture and mild dissatisfaction with body image. The findings demonstrate that the negative impact of depression includes emotional and physical factors.

Two-dimensional digital photography for child body posture evaluation: standardized technique, reliable parameters and normative data for age 7-10 years

“…Canales et al [69] reported the following posterior and sagittal parameters: head position, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic inclination, and knee position together with the following anatomical points to be considered: scapulas, shoulders, and ankles (Fig. 26).…”

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Fig. 26 a – b Photographic assessment as proposed by Canales et al in 2010 ([69], reprinted by permission)

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Do Better in Math: How Your Body Posture May Change Stereotype Threat Response

“…An upright body posture is associated with increased testosterone, decreased cortisol, greater confidence, mood, and strength when compared to a sustained slouched posture, which is associated with greater chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain as well as lower confidence and energy, depressive memory bias, and failure-related emotions (Briñol, Petty, & Wagner, 2009;Canales, Cordás, Fiquer, Cavalcante, & Moreno, 2010;Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010;Michalak, Mischnat, & Teismann, 2014;Peper, Booiman, Lin, & Harvey, 2016;Thrasher et al, 2011;Tsai, Peper, & Lin, 2016;Wilson & Peper, 2004).…”

Role of Emotional Disorders in Strategy of Static Equilibrium Among Patients of Old Age

“…Распространенность психогенного голо вокружения в старческом возрасте объясняет ся как общностью механизмов эмоциональ ных и двигательных расстройств в результате сосудистого поражения головного мозга, при водящего к лобно подкорковому разобщению, так и формированием порочного круга «голо вокружение -тревожно депрессивное рас стройство -головокружение» [1,6].…”