Research
Research
Research
Strong Pacific framing
The Pacific Physiotherapy Association is proud to support and showcase research that strengthens the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. The publications listed on this page represent a growing body of work led by Pacific clinicians, researchers, and partners who are dedicated to improving culturally responsive physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. This research contributes to our understanding of Pacific experiences in areas such as health education, pulmonary rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and clinical wellbeing. As new studies are shared with us, this page will continue to be updated to reflect the current evidence and knowledge shaping Pacific physiotherapy practice.
Sāmoan health worker wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand–a Pacific-based scoping review
A Pacific-based scoping review published in the Pacific Health Dialog, examining the wellbeing of Sāmoan health workers in Aotearoa New Zealand and highlighting key challenges, cultural factors, and workforce support needs.
Exploring the Meaning and Value of Physical Activity for Sāmoan Stroke Survivors in New Zealand
A qualitative study exploring how Sāmoan stroke survivors in New Zealand and their families view the meaning and value of physical activity, aiming to understand what motivates or hinders their activity, and inform culturally-relevant support and rehabilitation.
Using Talanoa to Explore Pacific Participants Experiences of Education Sessions Provided in Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) in Counties Manukau Health (CMH)
A study using Talanoa and Pacific values to explore how Pacific participants experience pulmonary rehabilitation education at Counties Manukau Health, identifying barriers, facilitators, and the importance of culturally grounded approaches like Teu le Va and the Fonofale model to improve PR engagement and learning.
Understanding what works for Pacific people in health education programmes: a clinician's perspective.
A clinician-focused review exploring what makes health education programmes effective for Pacific people. It highlights the need for Pacific models of health, culturally informed clinicians, and co-design with Pacific communities to improve engagement and support chronic condition self-management.
An overview of culturally adapted health education programmes for Pacific peoples: a narrative review
A narrative review examining culturally adapted health education programmes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting the importance of patient-centred, holistic, and culturally grounded approaches to reduce health inequities and better support Pacific communities.
Research Pātai
If you are conducting Pacific research in the Physiotherapy space – our team
is happy to guide and aid in this process. Click the link below to submit your
interest.
Turning Research Into Action
If you are ready to translate these findings into real-world impact, our team can guide you with culturally informed expertise. Let’s talk about your next steps.
