Who Benefits More From IBMS or Qigong? Clinical Data-Mining RCT Data

Abstract

<p>Purpose: A recent three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with depressed Hong Kong adults demonstrated the comparable effectiveness of integrative Body-Mind-Spirt (IBMS) and Qigong interventions in relieving sleep disturbance and depression, but not which is best for whom? Guided by concept and theory-based hypotheses, clinical data-mining (CDM) the RCT data answers the more clinically-relevant question: who responds best to which intervention?</p><p><br></p><p>Method: Through independent-sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-squared tests, the between-group differences in participants’ background and presenting characteristics and baseline outcomes on normally distributed continuous variables, non-normally distributed continuous variables, and categorical variables were examined.</p><p><br></p><p>Results: Results indicate that IBMS is more efficacious for older, more educated females, suffering from physical pain and illness; whereas younger, less educated males, not in full-time employment benefit more from Qigong.</p><p><br></p><p>Discussion: This productive joining together of RCT and CDM recommends itself to both past and future RCTs, further informing evidence-based practice decision-making.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Clinical data-mining; RCT; Evidence-based practice; IBMS; Qigong</p>