Study Report
Reference
| Citation | Volkers, 2003 PubMed |
| Full Info | Volkers, A.C., Tulen, J.H., van den Broek, W.W., Bruijn, J.A., Passchier, J. and Pepplinkhuizen, L. (2003) Motor activity and autonomic cardiac functioning in major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord, 76, 23-30.
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Study
| Hypothesis or Background |
The daily pattern of motor activity and the autonomic cardiovascular regulation were studied in major depression to quantify changes in psychomotor function and autonomic cardiac functioning. Additionally, relationships between motor activity parameters, cardiovascular measures and specific clinical features were examined.
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| Sample Information | 67 unmedicated (unipolar) depressed inpatients and 64 control subjects |
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| Method Detail | Wrist-actigraphy was used to monitor 24-h motor activity for 67 unmedicated (unipolar) depressed inpatients and 64 control subjects. During supine rest, spectral analysis was applied to assess HR and SBP variability, a baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) index and the respiratory frequency, in addition to mean heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) levels for the patient group and a second control group (N=51). |
| Method Keywords | clinical test |
| Result | The patients showed a lower motor activity level and a reduced fragmentation of motor activity during wake, and a higher motor activity level and a decreased immobility during sleep. The mean HR and DBP level and the respiratory frequency were higher in the patient group than in the control group, but no differences in HR and SBP variability or BRS were found. Furthermore, motor activity parameters and cardiovascular measures of the patients were related to agitation and retardation and overall, patients with lower motor activity levels demonstrated lower SBP levels. |
| Conclusions | This study confirms that the 24-h pattern of motor activity is altered in unmedicated depressed inpatients, but limited evidence was found for an autonomic cardiac dysfunction. Within the patient group there were relationships between motor activity parameters, cardiovascular measures, and clinical features, but the underlying neurobiological pathways need to be further explored. |
Relationships reported by
Volkers, 2003
| Component A Approved Name (Name in Paper) |
Component A Type |
Component B Approved Name (Name in Paper) |
Component B Type |
Statistical Result |
Relationship Description |
Result Category (Positive/Negative)) |
|
MDD
|
syndrome |
Blood pressure (BP) (blood pressure (BP)) |
signs |
|
The mean HR and DBP level and the respiratory frequency were higher in the patient group than in the control group. |
Positive
|
|
Low energy (psychomotor retardation)
|
symptoms |
Blood pressure (BP) (blood pressure (BP)) |
signs |
|
motor activity parameters and cardiovascular measures of the patients were related to agitation and retardation and overall, patients with lower motor activity levels demonstrated lower SBP levels. |
Positive
|
|
MDD
|
syndrome |
Low energy (psychomotor retardation) |
symptoms |
|
The patients showed a lower motor activity level and a reduced fragmentation of motor activity during wake, and a higher motor activity level and a decreased immobility during sleep. |
Positive
|
|
MDD
|
syndrome |
Heart rate (HR) (heart rate (HR)) |
signs |
|
The mean HR and DBP level and the respiratory frequency were higher in the patient group than in the control group |
Positive
|
|
Increased agitation (agitation)
|
symptoms |
Blood pressure (BP) (blood pressure (BP)) |
signs |
|
motor activity parameters and cardiovascular measures of the patients were related to agitation and retardation and overall, patients with lower motor activity levels demonstrated lower SBP levels. |
Positive
|
