The Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Laboratory (NESL) was established to examine exercise and dietary interventions on stressed physiological conditions.
NESL’s research has focused on improving the health of those experiencing stress-related mental conditions such as PTSD as well as those with stressful occupations such as firefighters. Dietary interventions thus far have included the ketogenic diet, fasting, and hydration maintenance.
NESL houses the Firefighter Research Program.
NESL has a range of equipment to measure body composition, blood health, aerobic and anaerobic fitness capacity, and cardiovascular health.
The effects of ketogenic diet on physiological, cognitive, and emotional health variables in veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury
Physiological effects of ketogenic-associated supplements, and dietary effects on fertility levels in women
The Firefighter Health and Performance Program was established to examine the health and performance of firefighters and then determine effective and applicable methods for improvement. Research areas include sleep quality, cardiovascular health, inflammation, mental health, physical performance, back pain, body composition, nutrition, hydration, and core and skin temperatures during various occupational tasks.
The following entities have supported this program:
CONTACT:
If you have any questions, comments, or interest in supporting this program, please email Dr. A. Maleah Winkler at awinkler@augusta.edu.

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​ Associations of body mass index, waist circumference, and weight-adjusted waist index with body composition and biomarkers: a multinational pooled analysisKim, J. E., Park, D., Lee, D. H., Jo, G., Kindred, M., Jaggers, J., Sui, X., Porter, R., Ogbonnaya, C., Hamer, M., Prasad, V., Shin, M. J., Giovannucci, E. & Oh, H., Nov 2025, In: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 122, 5, p. 1432-1441 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Empowering the Community to Understand Cardiovascular Disease Through a High School Lunch and Learn SeriesSchultheis, P., Ilatovskaya, D. & Pinkerton, B. B., Oct 1 2025, In: JACC: Case Reports. 30, 30, 105294.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Association Between Trunk Fat Mass Index and Diabetes in a Multinational PopulationOgbonnaya, C., Kindred, M., Lavie, C. J., Oh, H., Shin, M. J., Sui, X., Jaggers, J., Porter, R., Park, D., Kim, J. E., Gong, J. & Prasad, V. K., Oct 2025, In: Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality and Outcomes. 9, 5, 100658.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ The state of play: A critical look at the current state of diversity in sport – centering equity and belonging for women in sportBennett, H., Aug 2025, In: Performance Enhancement and Health. 13, 3, 100370.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review |
​ A conceptual framework for understanding brand connection to sport mascots.Ko, Y. J., Yun, L. & Kang, P., Aug 1 2025, In: Sport Management Review. 28, 4, p. 729-752 24 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Shaping the Future of Student Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges for an Annual Research DayPeritore, N. R., Steven Page, C. & Bennett, H. R., Jul 25 2025, Developing Student Engagement Opportunities in Higher Education. IGI Global, p. 255-291 37 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
​ Exploring Need Segments of Recreational Sports Participants.Kang, P., Yoo, S., Davis, S., Serrano, M. H. G. & Ko, Y. J., Jun 25 2025, In: Journal of Global Sport Management. p. 1-24 24 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Relationship Between Systemic Inflammation and Glycemic Control in FirefightersOberther, T. J., Moore, A. R., Kohler, A. A. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., Jun 2025, In: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 10, 2, 148.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Examining the Relationship Between Resilience, Mental Health and Fitness Outcomes in FirefightersGreene, D. R., Holland-Winkler, A. M., Kohler, A. A. & Kinnaird, W. R., Jun 2025, In: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 10, 2, 142.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Predicting Injury in Collegiate Baseball and Softball Athletes Using Functional Testing: A Pilot StudyDePaola, A. M., Moore, A. R., Connolly, G. J. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., Jun 2025, In: Muscles. 4, 2, 10.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Can you dig it? Volleyball participation to improve acute psychological statesGREENE, D. R., May 2025, In: Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. 184, 5, p. 406-413 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Student Interpretation of Culturally Relevant Pedagogies by Undergraduates Majoring in Kinesiology and Exercise SciencePinkerton, B., Johnson, S. & Bennett, H., Apr 3 2025, In: International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. 9, 2, p. 89-98Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ “Basic Fundamentals of Soccer” Lesson for Elementary-Aged StudentsJ. Connolly, G., Mar 4 2025, In: Strategies. 38, 2, p. 46-48Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ The Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Circulating Lipids in FirefightersHolland-Winkler, A. M., Ruiz Ramie, J. J., Moore, A. R. & Kohler, A. A., 2025, In: Lipidology. 2, 1Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Teaching sport, exercise, and performance psychology content and concepts through a culturally responsive lens.Bennett, H. R., Maurice, S. & Perkins-Ball, A., 2025, Equitable and innovative teaching practices for sport, exercise, and performance psychology educators.. Shipherd, A. M. & Coumbe-Lilley, J. E. (eds.). New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group, p. 89-101 13 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
​ Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular HealthRuiz-Ramie, J., Davis, P. G., Anderson, E. & Durstine, J. L., 2025, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Springer, p. 631-659 29 p. (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; vol. 1478).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
​ In Pursuit of Excellence: Utilizing Deliberate Practice and Other Types of Practice to Positively Impact Performance in SportConnolly, G. J., 2025, In: Strategies. 38, 6, p. 3-9 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
​ Adopting and implementing an efficacious peer-delivered physical activity program for web platform delivery in survivors of breast cancer: organizational readiness and perspectivesOstendorf, D. M., Huebschmann, A. G., Wickersham, K. E., Kindred, M. & Pinto, B. M., 2025, In: Translational behavioral medicine. 15, 1, ibaf051.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Features of Positive and Sport-based Youth DevelopmentMartinek, T., Pinkerton, B., Girginov, V. (Editor) & Marttinen, R. (Editor), Jun 28 2024, Features of Positive and Sport-based Youth Development. RoutledgeResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
​ Find Yourself a Permanent Hype Squad: Professional Reflections for Cultivating Positive Graduate School ExperiencesHauff, C., Powell, S. M., Bennett, H., Stewart, J., Salzgeber, A. & Jewell, S., Jan 2 2024, In: International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. 8, 1, p. 50-62Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ The fidelity of integrating TPSR and culturally relevant pedagogy through physical activity in educational contextsMines, E., Craddock, C. L. & Pinkerton, B. B., 2024, In: Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. 4, 2, p. 59-72Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Adapting an Efficacious Peer-Delivered Physical Activity Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer for Web Platform Delivery: Protocol for a 2-Phase StudyPinto, B. M., Patel, A., Ostendorf, D. M., Huebschmann, A. G., Dunsiger, S. I. & Kindred, M. M., 2024, In: JMIR Research Protocols. 13, e52494.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ The Role of Resistance and Plyometric Training in Firefighter Safety and Performance: A Narrative ReviewKohler, A. A., Moore, A. R. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., 2024, In: Physiologia. 4, 4, p. 327-340Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Get Fit! With Math and Lit: A Pilot Program of Physical Activity, Mathematics, and Literacy with Middle Grades Students through Culturally Relevant PedagogyCraddock, C. & Pinkerton, B., 2024, In: Current Issues in Middle Level Education. 28, 1, p. 1-11Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Punching up the Fun: A Comparison of Enjoyment and In-Task Valance in Virtual Reality Boxing and Treadmill RunningGreene, D. R. & Rougeau, K. M., 2024, In: Psychology International. 6, 4, p. 842-854Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ African American women's willingness to participate in online health communities during COVID-19.James, D. C. S., Kang, P. & McQueen, D., May 1 2023, In: Telemedicine and e-Health. 29, 5, p. 657-664 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Strategies to Improve Physiological and Psychological Components of Resiliency in FirefightersHolland-Winkler, A. M., Hamil, B. K., Greene, D. R. & Kohler, A. A., 2023, In: Physiologia. 3, 4, p. 611-626Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Symptom Severity from Posttraumatic Stress is Not Correlated to C-reactive Protein Level or Altered by Ketone Salt SupplementationGilmore, L., Nagy A, Y., Waller, J., Nalloor, R., Wieder, M. & Holland-Winkler, A., 2023, In: Romanian Journal of Military Medicine. 126, 4, p. 391-397Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Corporate Social Responsibility and Digital Transformation in Professional SportBabiak, K. & Copeland, A. A., Jan 1 2023, The Routledge Handbook of Digital Sport Management. Naraine, M. L., Hayduk III, T. & Doyle, J. P. (eds.). Milton: RoutledgeResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review |
​ Crank it up: Utilizing exercise to combat acute fatigue and pain in individuals with probable posttraumatic stress disorder.Greene, D. R., Greene, C. L. & Petruzzello, S. J., 2023, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 12, 4, p. 229-240Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ New Day, New Game: Examining Consumer Needs in Daily Fantasy Sports.Sears, J., Kang, P., Ko, Y. J. & Lee, J. S., Dec 1 2022, In: Sport Marketing Quarterly. 31, 4, p. 255-264 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ "CrossFit Has Proven You Can Be Muscular and Still Be Feminine": Exploring Comparative Practices Within CrossFit.Bennett, H., Hauff, C., Gipson, C. & Malcom, N., Sep 1 2022, In: Journal of Sport Behavior. 45, 3, p. 1-16 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ The Mentorship Maze: Navigating the Undergraduate-Researcher QuandaryBennett, H., Peritore, N. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., Jul 3 2022, In: International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. 6, 3, p. 151-159Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Bump Set Spike: Recreational Volleyball to Lift Affect and Enjoyment.Greene, D. R., Mar 1 2022, In: Journal of Sport Behavior. 45, 1, p. 42-51 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ A Qualitative Exploration of Social Media Consumption and Use Among Everyday Women Who Participate in CrossFitGipson, C., Malcom, N. L., Hauff, C., Bennett, H. R. & Mallhi, A. K., 2022, In: Research Directs in Health Sciences. 2, 1Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Anaerobic, aerobic, and cognitive outcomes are similar after supplementing with exogenous ketone salts and a sports drinkQazi, A. S., Moore, A. R. & Holland, A. M., 2022, In: International Journal of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science. 1, 1, p. 101-121Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Barriers and Motivators to Participating in Online Weight Management Communities among African American Women.James, D., Kang, P., Facey, J., Toro, M., Walker, N., Higgins, S. & Cineus, B., Sep 2 2021, In: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 121Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Chapter 13: Badass CrossFit Women; Redefining Traditional Femininity, One Handstand Push-Up at a TimeHauff, C., Gipson, C., Bennett, H. & Malcom, N. L., Nov 18 2020, Sportswomen’s Apparel in the United States. New Femininities in Digital, Physical and Sporting Cultures. Fuller, L. K. (ed.). Palgrave Macmillan, p. 231-248 Chapter 14. (Sportswomen’s Apparel in the United States).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
​ Impact of Acute Tennis Activity on Executive Function in Tennis-Naïve ChildrenMoore, A., Darracott, C. R., Eunice, J. & Harris, P., Sep 1 2020, In: Reading Improvement. 57, 3, p. 131-138 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
​ Shaping the physical activity behavior of those diagnosed with cancerPinto, B. M., Kindred, M. M. & Grimmett, C., Jan 1 2020, Exercise Oncology: Prescribing Physical Activity Before and After a Cancer Diagnosis. Schmitz, K. H. (ed.). Cham: SpringerResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review |