The Impact of Upward versus Downward Movement Patterns on Memory Characteristics of Depressed Individuals

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Basic research on embodiment has demonstrated that manipulating the motoric system has broad effects on cognitive and emotional processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an embodiment manipulation on the affective memory bias and specificity of autobiographic memories of depressed individuals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Forty currently depressed patients practiced either an upward-opening Qi Gong movement, which runs counter to the habitual slumped and downward depressive movement style, or a downward-closing Qi Gong movement. They were required to retrieve specific personal memories to positive or negative cue words during movement. Moreover, an incidental recall of the cue words was conducted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients in the upward-opening movement condition in contrast to the downward-closing movement condition showed a more positively biased recall of affective words and recalled more specific autobiographical memories. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Results indicate that the motoric system and key maintaining cognitive factors in depressive disorders are closely interrelated.