Wikstrom Lab Group
Erik Wikstrom, PhD, ATC
Associate Professor & Katherine Smith Gunter Scholar,
Department of Exercise & Sport Science
Previous Education
Ph.D., University of Florida, 2007
M.Ed., University of Florida, 2003
B.S., Roanoke College, 2001
Contact Information:
Email: wikstrom@unc.edu | X: @ea_wikstrom
Dr. Wikstrom’s primary research interest is on the impact of musculoskeletal injury on sensorimotor control of the lower extremity with particular emphasis on the coordination of balance following ankle joint injury. His current research focuses on evaluating how ankle joint injury alters sensorimotor function, developing interventions to restore post-injury impairments, and understanding mechanisms that could slow the progression from ankle joint injury to ankle osteoarthritis. Dr. Wikstrom’s research has been funded by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense among others.
PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Erik+A+Wikstrom&sort=date&size=100
Awards and Honors
Fellow of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, 2019
Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, 2011
David H. Perrin Doctoral Dissertation Award, National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation, 2010
Lab Video: https://endeavors.unc.edu/sprains-and-the-brain/
The Team
Visiting Scholar
Serkan Uzlasir, PhD
Educational Background
B.S. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University 2005
M.S. Sports Physiotherapy, Hacettepe University 2016
Doctorate, Sports Physiotherapy, Hacetteppe University, 2010
Contact Information:
Email: serkanuzlasir@nevsehir.edu.tr
X: @ptuzlasir_s
My research interests focus on patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and rehabilitation to restore the consequences of injury. I have a particular interest in the effects of stroboscopic vision as a rehabilitation tool as well as quantifying electromyography and the biomechanics of the lower extremity.
PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=serkan+uzlasir
Doctoral Students
Raed Alamri, PT, M.Sc.
Educational Background
B.S. Physiotherapy, Umm Al Qura University 2018
M.S. Rehabilitation Science, Concordia University-Wisconsin 2021
Contact Information:
Email: Raalamri@unc.edu
Raed’s research interest lie in understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to impaired muscle function in individuals with chronic ankle instability, and developing innovative interventions to enhance muscle function in this population.”
Research Assistants
Joshua Mohess, BS
Study Coordinator
Education:
B.A. in EXSS at UNC- Chapel Hill, 2023
Contact Information:
Email: jmojoel@ad.unc.edu
Joshua’s research interests are focused on early detection of chronic ankle instability and enhancing rehabilitation techniques. Joshua is also interested in using AI for data cleaning and building risk models.
Matt Regan, BS
Medical Student Research Assistant
Education:
B.S. Chemistry, Davidson College 2019
Contact Information:
Email: matthew_regan@med.unc.edu
Matt is currently in the School of Medicine class of __. His research interests include sports medicine and injury prevention.
Sarah Albert
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Year: Junior
Major:
B.S. Neuroscience, Minors in Chemistry and Sports Medicine
Contact Information:
sarah.albert@unc.edu
Sarah is interested in research methodology and biomechanical instrumentation used to understand sports related injuries and chronic ankle instability. Sarah is also interested in looking at and identifying potential risk factors and, in turn, preventative measures for the long-term consequences of ankle injuries.
Shay Rooney
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Year: Senior
Major:
B.S. Exercise & Sport Science
Contact Information:
shayroon@email.unc.edu
Shay is interested in the prevention and rehabilitation of sports related lower extremity injuries. Shay is also interested in understanding how ankle sprains and other injuries lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
Lab Group Alumni
Jaeho Jang, Assistant Professor at University of Texas- El Paso. Graduated in 2023
Kimmery Migel, Assistant Professor at High Point University. Graduated in 2023
Kyeongtak Song, Assistant Professor at Yonsei University. Graduated 2019
Current Grant Funding & Research Projects
Advancing the Management and Assessment of Talar Cartilage Health (MATCH) to Mitigate PTOA Development (Principle Investigator), Awarded by the NATA Research & Education Foundation (NATA REF). 2020-2022
Addressing Neuromuscular Deficits for Improved Outcomes in Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation (Co-Principle Investigator), Awarded by the Department of Defense (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program). 2018-2022
Volunteer to be part of our research!
Below are current research studies that are ongoing and are actively recruiting participants. If you are interested and meet the general criteria listed below, please request additional information from our study coordinators.
SMART Ankle Sprain Rehab Study
Target Population: Patients between 18-45yrs. with acute lateral ankle sprains (n=50)
- 1st time sprain within 72 hours
Time Commitment: 3-8 week intervention, Completion, 6- and 12- month assessments
Outcomes of Interest:
- Brain and ankle MRI
- Neural Excitability
- Questionnaires
- Gait Biomechanics
Compensation: $100 gift card
Study Status: Recruiting
Study Coordinator: Erik Wikstrom
IRB Approval: 18-1538
Effect of Local Muscle Vibration on Chronic Ankle Instability
Target Population: Patients between 18-35yrs. with chronic ankle instability (n=30) and uninjured controls (n=30)
Time Commitment: Uninjured controls: 1, 30-minute session
Chronic ankle instability: 3, ~60 minute sessions
Outcomes of Interest:
- Muscle strength
- Muscle activation
- Balance
- Muscle quality and architecture derived from ultrasound images
Compensation: NA
Study Coordinator: Raed Alamri
IRB Approval: 23-1380