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

GREENE, D. R., Jul 1 2025, In: Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. 184, 5

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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Virtual Reality Exercise with Autonomy Support Increases Positive Affect During Time Trial Exercise

Moore, A. R. & Butler, B. A. S., Jun 1 2025, In: Games for health journal. 14, 3, p. 212-220 9 p.

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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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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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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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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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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Hydration Tracking via Saliva Osmolarity in Recruit Firefighters Throughout a 12-Week Fire School

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Moore, A. R., Parish, S. L. & Oberther, T. J., Feb 2025, In: Fire. 8, 2, 39.

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

Connolly, G. J., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Strategies.

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

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Poetic protocol: Using poetry to synthesise information on asynchronous online discussion boards

VanDeusen, E. & Peritore, N., 2025, In: Innovations in Education and Teaching International. 62, 6, p. 1761-1770 10 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

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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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Music alters heart rate and psychological responses but not muscle activation during light-intensity isometric exercise

Moore, A. R., Hutchinson, J. C., Winter, C., Dalton, P. C., Bolgla, L. A. & Paolone, V. J., Dec 2024, In: Sports Medicine and Health Science. 6, 4, p. 394-401 8 p.

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

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Hydration Considerations to Improve the Physical Performance and Health of Firefighters

Holland-Winkler, A. M. & Hamil, B. K., Dec 2024, In: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 9, 4, 182.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review 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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The Effects of Compression Pants on Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate during Long-Distance Running

Craig-Jones, A., Greene, D. R., Gilbert, H. L., Giddens, P. L. & Ruiz-Ramie, J. J., Sep 2024, In: Biomechanics (Switzerland). 4, 3, p. 473-482 10 p.

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

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PARTNERSHIPS AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: FROM THREAT TO OPPORTUNITY

Lenstra, N., Peritore, N. & D’Arpa, C., Aug 1 2024, Advances in Librarianship. Emerald Publishing, p. 129-145 17 p. (Advances in Librarianship; vol. 55).

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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Enjoyment and Affective Responses to Moderate and High-Intensity Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Individuals with Subsyndromal PTSD

Greene, D. R., Holland-Winkler, A. M. & Petruzzello, S. J., May 2024, In: Sports. 12, 5, 138.

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

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Effect of Peanut Butter Intake on Sleep Health in Firefighters: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Oberther, T. J., Moore, A. R., Kohler, A. A., Shuler, D. H., Peritore, N. & Holland-Winkler, A. M., May 2024, In: International journal of environmental research and public health. 21, 5, 571.

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

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Public Library Partnerships for Public Health: Health in all Policies (HiAP) as a New Conceptual Framework for LIS Teaching and Research

Lenstra, N. & Peritore, N., Apr 2024, In: Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. 65, 2, p. 216-225 10 p.

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

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Sense of time is slower following exhaustive cycling exercise

Moore, A. R. & Olson, M., Apr 2024, In: Psychological Research. 88, 3, p. 826-836 11 p.

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

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The Cyclical Battle of Insomnia and Mental Health Impairment in Firefighters: A Narrative Review

Holland-Winkler, A. M., Greene, D. R. & Oberther, T. J., Apr 2024, In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. 13, 8, 2169.

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

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The Effect of Compression Garments on Biomechanical and Physiological Factors

Craig-Jones, A., Greene, D. R., Ruiz-Ramie, J. J., Navalta, J. W. & Mercer, J. A., Mar 2024, In: Biomechanics (Switzerland). 4, 1, p. 109-122 14 p.

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

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THE BENEFITS OF A PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM AMONG BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE A MASTECTOMY

Asbury, E., Bennett, H., Cannon, J. & Kindred, M., 2024, In: Journal of Cancer Rehabilitation. 7, 2, p. 80-92 13 p.

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

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Immersive Virtual Reality Decreases Work Rate and Manipulates Attentional Focus During Self-Regulated Vigorous Exercise

Moore, A. R. & Butler, B. A. S., 2024, In: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 95, 4, p. 963-973 11 p.

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

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Elevating Athletic Performance with Flow Theory: “Being in the Zone”

Connolly, G. J., 2024, In: Strategies. 37, 1, p. 33-36 4 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

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Designing viable, durable physical activity programs for cancer survivors: reflections from program participants and organizational leaders

Kindred, M. M., Nkwonta, C. A., Beal, M. L., Messias, D. A. K. H. & Pinto, B. M., Jan 2024, In: Supportive Care in Cancer. 32, 1, 84.

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

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Creation of a Healthy Partnership: A Pilot Study

Peritore, N., Mims, A., Logan, A., Poe, J. & Denny, K., 2024, In: Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. 19, 1, p. 149-164 16 p.

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

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Mindful Harmony of Multimodal Literacies

Pinkerton, B. & Craddock, C., 2024, In: Strategies. 37, 2, p. 35-37 3 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

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Effects of a peer-led physical activity program on psychosocial outcomes among breast cancer survivors

Pinto, B. M., Dunsiger, S. I., Kindred, M., Mitchell, S. & DeScenza, V., Jan 2024, In: Psycho-Oncology. 33, 1, e6292.

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

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Get Fit! With Math and Lit: Pedagogical Implications for a Newly Developed Physical Activity Program

Pinkerton, B. & Craddock, C., 2024, In: Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 95, 7, p. 24-31 8 p.

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

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Teaching Core Values through Physical Activity Using a Tangible Item

Pinkerton, B. & Pettit, S. K., 2024, In: Strategies. 37, 5, p. 44-46 3 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

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