University of New Mexico-Main Campus · BiochemistryShah Wellness Lab
Vallabh O Shah · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Research Focus
Dr. Vallabh Shah's lab focuses on improving the health and well-being of Zuni elders through fall prevention strategies. By adapting traditional physical therapy programs to meet the cultural needs of Native elders, the lab aims to empower this community to reduce the risks associated with falls and support aging in place. This research not only addresses health disparities but also fosters collaboration and cultural understanding between the Zuni Pueblo and health services.
fall preventionZuni eldersphysical therapycultural adaptationcommunity healthdisparity researchexercise programstelehealthagingnative health
Research Aims
4AIM 01Foster a sustainable collaboration with Zuni tribal leadership and health services.
AIM 02Culturally adapt the Otago Exercise Program for Zuni elders.
AIM 03Compare the effectiveness of the adapted exercise program to standard education-based fall risk management.
AIM 04Improve overall health status and social engagement through the adapted program.
Skills the Lab Values
community engagementcultural competencyphysical therapy techniquesfall risk assessmentdata collectionstatistical analysiseducation program developmentpilot study designtelehealth implementation
Output against the department
Publications187top 45% of dept.182nd of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations4.6kbottom 26% of dept.296th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.