Lay summary
Osteoarthritis is commonly comorbid with other non-communicable diseases including diabetes, excess weight and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity/exercise therapy and weight management have a positive effect on osteoarthritis, as well as many comorbid conditions. We have developed separate exercise therapy and dietary interventions to manage osteoarthritis and prediabetes, respectively. However, greater health gains for those with multi-morbidity are likely through an integrated approach to lifestyle therapy. We will combine our separate interventions in consultation with physiotherapists, primary care providers, Māori and communities to develop a culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention to address multi-morbidity with a focus on improving health outcomes for Maōri. At the same time, we will also build relationships and collaborations, identify and develop local skills and capacity, and confirm the study design for a subsequent full study to test the intervention in Hawke's Bay.