Preventing falls among Native elders in tribal communities
Standing Strong in Tribal Communities: Assessing Elder Falls Disparity
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 ID | NIH-11082294 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Native elders aged 65 and older living in the Zuni Pueblo community.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not reside in the Zuni Pueblo may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Albuquerque, United States
- 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
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 below.