Journal article
New Zealand Osteopaths and the Management of Older Adults: Outcomes from a Practice-Based Research Network
Journal of ageing and longevity, Vol.6(3), pp.1-14
23/07/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Older adults represent a growing proportion of healthcare consumers, and yet little is known about the osteopathic practitioners who regularly manage this population. This study set out to understand what characteristics are common among New Zealand osteopaths who regularly treat older adults. This cross-sectional, exploratory study was a secondary analysis of questionnaire data collected through a practice-based research network. The questionnaire captured osteopaths’ demographic characteristics, practice settings, and clinical management approaches. Of the 277 osteopaths who completed the questionnaire, 188 (67.9%) reported frequently treating older adults. Those most likely to do so were based in urban areas, treated wrist and degenerative spinal complaints, and used exercise prescription as part of their practice. These findings suggest that a substantial number of New Zealand osteopaths are actively involved in the care of older adults, highlighting the need for further research into the role osteopathy can play in supporting this growing patient population.
Details
- Title
- New Zealand Osteopaths and the Management of Older Adults: Outcomes from a Practice-Based Research Network
- Creators
- Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira - Instituto Brasileiro de OsteopatiaMichael Fleischmann - Victoria UniversityLee Muddle - Health Sciences University (UK, London)Jack Feehan - Health Sciences University (UK, London)Kesava Kovanur Sampath - Health Sciences University (UK, London)Brett Vaughan - Health Sciences University (UK, London)
- Publication Details
- Journal of ageing and longevity, Vol.6(3), pp.1-14
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Identifiers
- 991013393750902368
- Copyright
- © 2026 by the authors.
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health, Midwifery and Community; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article