Title of Program : Motor Performance Laboratory
Dept/Center/Lab : Department of Neuroscience/Neurology
Principal Mentor : Mohammed Sanjak, PT, PhD
Other Faculty : Benjamin Rix Brooks, MD
Elena Bravver, MD
Summary Description :
Dr Sanjak is a Clinical Research Senior Scientist In the Carolinas Neuromusuclar/ALS-MDA -
Department of Neurology, and an Adjunct Associate Professer in the Deparment of Kinesiology,
UNC-Charlotte. Dr Sanjak is a PhD-trained exercise physiologist with qualifications as a licensed practicing physical therapist who treats neuromuscular and and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinsons disease,and Multiple Sclerosis patients at the Carolinas Medical Center. Dr Sanjak focus on humand basic and clinical research which leads to quantificatrion and treatment of motor deficit including weakness, balnce, fatigue and gait abnormalities.
Research project currently being pursued in the lab:
1. Effect of resistance vs arobic exercise in ALS patients. This project focus to establish the feasibility, safety, tolarbility, and treatment size effect resistance vs. aerobics exercise in patients diagnosed with ALS.
2. Balance in ALS. This project focus on understanding of sensory and motor deficits leading to disequilibrium and falls in ambulatory Asymptomatic.
3. RENEW “Research and Education in Neurological Wellness: Parkinson Dsiease intiative.
This a collaborative project between CHS and YMCA to implement and study the effect of community base exercise program for individuals with Parkinson diease.
4. Multiple theraputic clinical trials in:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
5. Therapeutic physical exercise for ALS patients. This project focus to establish the feasibility, safety, tolarbility, and treatment size effect of Supported treadmill ambulation training plus non invasive vintelation in ALS patients.
The lab also focus to standarized oucome measure which include computerized muscle strength and fatigue testing, pulmonary function testing, exercise and work capacity, as well as multiple qualitative evaluation of daily living activities, and quality of life scale evaluation.

Dr. Sanjak has opportunities for full-time and summer student projects in clinical research.
Contact Dr. Sanjak by phone: (704) 355-9434 or Email:
Mohammed.Sanjak@carolinashealthcare.org
Link to Dr. Sanjak Pumped publications: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=sanjak+m
Expectations and Role of Student:
The following are required for successful completion of the Program:
• Compliance with policies and procedures of the Carolinas HealthCare System, the
Department of Neurology, and the Division of Research
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Attendance of core lectures, and didactic sessions
Completion of assigned research related tasks. These tasks are specific to active studies may include, but are not limited to the following:
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Identification and screening of potential research participants.
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Communication and coordination of research related activities with patients and members of the healthcare team.
Assistance with the informed consent process
Data collection, recording and analysis
Maintenance of study records, logs and study-related equipment
Participation in review of data quality and trouble-shooting
Written and Oral presentation of research findings