Lay summary
Te Runanga o Otakou has identified a gap in fall prevention services for Maori living in Te Runanga o Otakou takiwa. Evidence demonstrates that Maori do not recover as well from fall related injuries and have higher mortality rates following serious falls compared to non-Maori. Taurite Tu research is in response to this health issue.
Research objectives include: a) creating a relevant and engaging balance and strengthening exercise programme responsive to needs of Maori; b) identifying and reducing falls risks for Maori; and c) increasing hauora research capacity within Te Runanga o Otakou.
Kaupapa Maori Research and participatory action research methodologies will apply to this project. Potential health outcomes for Maori living in Te Runanga o Otakou takiwa include increased participation in balance and strengthening exercise programmes, and decreased falls risk and related costs. An associated outcome is increased hauora research capacity within Te Runanga o Otakou.