Preventing falls among Native elders in tribal communities
Official title: Standing Strong in Tribal Communities: Assessing Elder Falls Disparity
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11082294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Native elders in the Zuni Pueblo prevent falls by adapting a special exercise program to fit their culture and delivering it through local health workers who speak their language, while also using telehealth to connect them with physical therapists for support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,214 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD015003-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Native elders aged 65 and older living in the Zuni Pueblo community.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not reside in the Zuni Pueblo may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high risk of falls among Native elders in the Zuni Pueblo, who face significant barriers to accessing rehabilitative services. The study aims to culturally adapt the Otago Exercise Program, a fall prevention strategy, and deliver it through Community Health Representatives (CHRs) who understand the local language and traditions. By utilizing telehealth consultations with a physical therapist, the program seeks to empower elders and their families to actively participate in fall prevention. The effectiveness of this culturally tailored approach will be compared to standard education-based fall risk management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce fall-related injuries among Native elders, allowing them to maintain their independence and stay within their communities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar culturally tailored interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes in other indigenous populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Vallabh O — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shah, Vallabh O
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
Researchers at Mayo Clinic will study why people over 65 fall, by looking at how brain and body systems work together during walking and thinking tasks.
-
Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
-
Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
-
In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
A home-based program using stroboscopic eyewear to help older adults improve balance and reduce their risk of falls.
-
Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults
This study looks at how nocturnal low oxygen during sleep relates to falls and bone fractures in men and women aged 50 and older.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.