A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Comparative Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Health Qigong-Based Cognitive Therapy Among Chinese People With Mood Disorders

Abstract

Abstract Background: The goal of this study was to investigate treatment outcome and related intervention processes of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) versus health qigong-based cognitive therapy (HQCT) versus waitlist control (WC) among individuals with mood disorders.Methods: A total of 187 individuals with mood disorders were randomized and allocated into MBCT, HQCT, or WC groups. All participants were assessed at three time points with regard to mood symptoms, physical and mental health status, perceived stress, sleep quality, and self-efficacy. Linear mixed models analysis was used to test the individual growth model by studying the longitudinal data.Results: MBCT and HQCT both produced greater improvements on most outcome measures as compared with WC. Relatively, more reductions of mood symptoms were observed in the HQCT group as compared with the MBCT group. HQCT is more conducive to physical health status whereas MBCT has more favorable mental health outcomes. Individual growth curve models indicated that alternations in perceived stress was the common predictor of mood changes in both intervention groups. Conclusions: The predominant emphasis on physical health in HQCT makes it more acceptable and effective than MBCT as applied in Chinese individuals with mood disorders. The influence of Chinese culture is discussed. Trial registration: HKU Clinical Trials Registry. Identifier: HKUCTR-2558. Registered 21st Nov 2018.