Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Laboratory

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.

More Information

Equipment

NESL has a range of equipment to measure body composition, blood health, aerobic and anaerobic fitness capacity, and cardiovascular health.

  • Trackmaster Treadmill
  • Woodway Treadmill
  • Monark Ergometer
  • Parvo Medics Metabolic Carts
  • InBody Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer
  • Microplate Reader
  • Cold Centrifuge
  • -20° and -80° Celsius Freezers
  • EMG
  • Actigraph Monitors
  • Calera Core Temperature Monitors
  • Watt Bike 

Current and Future Projects

Cognitive performance after short bouts of high- and moderate-intensity exercise

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

Firefighter Research Program

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:

  • Augusta University
  • Columbia County Fire Department
  • Peanut Institute
  • greenTEG AG
  • 80 Beats Medical
  • NIX Biosensors

CONTACT:

If you have any questions, comments, or interest in supporting this program, please email Dr. A. Maleah Winkler at awinkler@augusta.edu.

Firefighter with hose, instructor with firefighters

Publication
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Empowering the Community to Understand Cardiovascular Disease Through a High School Lunch and Learn Series

Schultheis, P., Ilatovskaya, D. & Pinkerton, B. B., Oct 1 2025, In: JACC: Case Reports. 30, 30, 105294.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Association Between Trunk Fat Mass Index and Diabetes in a Multinational Population

Ogbonnaya, 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

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The state of play: A critical look at the current state of diversity in sport – centering equity and belonging for women in sport

Bennett, H., Aug 2025, In: Performance Enhancement and Health. 13, 3, 100370.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review

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Shaping the Future of Student Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges for an Annual Research Day

Peritore, 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

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Predicting Injury in Collegiate Baseball and Softball Athletes Using Functional Testing: A Pilot Study

DePaola, 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

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Relationship Between Systemic Inflammation and Glycemic Control in Firefighters

Oberther, 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

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Examining the Relationship Between Resilience, Mental Health and Fitness Outcomes in Firefighters

Greene, 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

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Rev-It-Up: examining the psychological effects of percussive therapy intra-resistance exercise

Greene, D. R., Moxley, J., Ruiz-Ramie, J. J. & Craig-Jones, A., Jun 2025, In: Sport Sciences for Health. 21, 2, p. 1209-1215 7 p., 102044.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Can you dig it? Volleyball participation to improve acute psychological states

GREENE, 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

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Effectiveness of Exogenous Ketone Salts in Enhancing Circulating Acetoacetate Levels—A Pilot Study in Healthy Adults

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Moore, A. R. & Bederman, I., May 2025, In: Nutrients. 17, 10, 1665.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

Sparks, J. R., Ruiz-Ramie, J. J., Kishman, E. E. & Wang, X., May 1 2025, In: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 19, 4, p. 548-560 13 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

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Student Interpretation of Culturally Relevant Pedagogies by Undergraduates Majoring in Kinesiology and Exercise Science

Pinkerton, B., Johnson, S. & Bennett, H., Apr 3 2025, In: International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. 9, 2, p. 89-98

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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“Basic Fundamentals of Soccer” Lesson for Elementary-Aged Students

J. Connolly, G., Mar 4 2025, In: Strategies. 38, 2, p. 46-48

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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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

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In Pursuit of Excellence: Utilizing Deliberate Practice and Other Types of Practice to Positively Impact Performance in Sport

Connolly, G. J., 2025, In: Strategies. 38, 6, p. 3-9 7 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

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The Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Circulating Lipids in Firefighters

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Ruiz Ramie, J. J., Moore, A. R. & Kohler, A. A., 2025, In: Lipidology. 2, 1

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Adopting and implementing an efficacious peer-delivered physical activity program for web platform delivery in survivors of breast cancer: organizational readiness and perspectives

Ostendorf, 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

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Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular Health

Ruiz-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

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Associations of body mass index, waist circumference, and weight-adjusted waist index with body composition and biomarkers: a multinational pooled analysis

Kim, 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., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Effects of web platform delivery of a physical activity program for breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

Pinto, B. M., Kindred, M., Dunsiger, S., Mitchell, S., Patel, A., Ostendorf, D. & Huebschmann, A. G., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of Cancer Survivorship.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Body composition changes among college students enrolled in activity classes

Ruiz-Ramie, J. J., Craig-Jones, A. & Greene, D. R., Dec 2024, In: Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. 183, 12, p. 1034-1039 6 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Features of Positive and Sport-based Youth Development

Martinek, T., Pinkerton, B., Girginov, V. (Editor) & Marttinen, R. (Editor), Jun 28 2024, Features of Positive and Sport-based Youth Development. Routledge

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

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Massage It Out: Physiological Responses to a Percussive Therapy Device Used Intra-Resistance Exercise

Greene, D. R., Ruiz-Ramie, J. J. & Craig-Jones, A., Jun 2024, In: Muscles. 3, 2, p. 166-176 11 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Find Yourself a Permanent Hype Squad: Professional Reflections for Cultivating Positive Graduate School Experiences

Hauff, 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. 50-62

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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The Role of Resistance and Plyometric Training in Firefighter Safety and Performance: A Narrative Review

Kohler, A. A., Moore, A. R. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., 2024, In: Physiologia. 4, 4, p. 327-340

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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The fidelity of integrating TPSR and culturally relevant pedagogy through physical activity in educational contexts

Mines, E., Craddock, C. L. & Pinkerton, B. B., 2024, In: Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. 4, 2, p. 59-72

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Get Fit! With Math and Lit: A Pilot Program of Physical Activity, Mathematics, and Literacy with Middle Grades Students through Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Craddock, C. & Pinkerton, B., 2024, In: Current Issues in Middle Level Education. 28, 1, p. 1-11

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Punching up the Fun: A Comparison of Enjoyment and In-Task Valance in Virtual Reality Boxing and Treadmill Running

Greene, D. R. & Rougeau, K. M., 2024, In: Psychology International. 6, 4, p. 842-854

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Discrepancy of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Measurements between a Blood Meter and GC-MS Methods in Healthy Humans

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Moore, A. R., Ansley, J. K., Fritz, N. A. & Bederman, I., Dec 2023, In: Muscles. 2, 4, p. 327-337 11 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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The Correlation between Core Muscular Endurance, Body Composition, and Back Pain in Firefighters: An Observational Study

Sanregret, S., Kohler, A. A., Moore, A. R. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., Dec 2023, In: Muscles. 2, 4, p. 353-360 8 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Corporate Social Responsibility and Digital Transformation in Professional Sport

Babiak, 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: Routledge

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review

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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. 229-240

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Symptom Severity from Posttraumatic Stress is Not Correlated to C-reactive Protein Level or Altered by Ketone Salt Supplementation

Gilmore, L., Nagy A, Y., Waller, J., Nalloor, R., Wieder, M. & Holland-Winkler, A., 2023, In: Romanian Journal of Military Medicine. 126, 4, p. 391-397

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Strategies to Improve Physiological and Psychological Components of Resiliency in Firefighters

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Hamil, B. K., Greene, D. R. & Kohler, A. A., 2023, In: Physiologia. 3, 4, p. 611-626

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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"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

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The Mentorship Maze: Navigating the Undergraduate-Researcher Quandary

Bennett, H., Peritore, N. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., Jul 3 2022, In: International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. 6, 3, p. 151-159

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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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

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Inoculation Booster Messages: Frequency, Content, and Timing

Parker, K. A., Ivanov, B., Matig, J., Dillingham, L. L. & Peritore, N., 2022, In: Journal of Communication and Media Studies. 7, 1, p. 1-19 19 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Anaerobic, aerobic, and cognitive outcomes are similar after supplementing with exogenous ketone salts and a sports drink

Qazi, A. S., Moore, A. R. & Holland, A. M., 2022, In: International Journal of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science. 1, 1, p. 101-121

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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A Qualitative Exploration of Social Media Consumption and Use Among Everyday Women Who Participate in CrossFit

Gipson, C., Malcom, N. L., Hauff, C., Bennett, H. R. & Mallhi, A. K., 2022, In: Research Directs in Health Sciences. 2, 1

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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