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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Telework and Work Flexibility in the United States Federal Government Post-Pandemic Hunter, L. Y., Ginn, M. H., Moore, A. R. & Hatcher, W., Sep 2024, In: Public Administration Quarterly. 48, 3, p. 149-161 13 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Poetic protocol: Using poetry to synthesise information on asynchronous online discussion boards VanDeusen, E. & Peritore, N., 2024, (Accepted/In press) In: Innovations in Education and Teaching International. Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
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
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
Public Librarianship and the US Food System: Results from a 2022 National Survey Peritore, N., Lenstra, N. & D’arpa, C., 2024, In: Public Library Quarterly. 43, 1, p. 91-108 18 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Omics-driven investigation of the biology underlying intrinsic submaximal working capacity and its trainability Hota, M., Barber, J. L., Ruiz-Ramie, J. J., Schwartz, C. S., Lam, D. T. U. H., Rao, P., Mi, M. Y., Katz, D. H., Robbins, J. M., Clish, C. B., Gerszten, R. E., Sarzynski, M. A., Ghosh, S. & Bouchard, C., Nov 2023, In: Physiological Genomics. 55, 11, p. 517-543 27 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Mediators of physical activity maintenance during a 12-month randomized controlled trial among breast Cancer survivors Pinto, B. M., Dunsiger, S. I., Kindred, M. M. & Mitchell, S., Oct 2023, In: Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 46, 5, p. 745-756 12 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
“They Do Not Represent Our Gym”: How CrossFit Affiliates Define Community as They Respond to Racial Controversy Edmonds, S., Malcom, N. L., Gipson, C. M. & Bennett, H., Sep 2023, In: Sociology of Sport Journal. 40, 3, p. 312-320 9 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Teaching personal and social responsibility practitioners’ perceptions of the application of culturally relevant pedagogies Pinkerton, B. & Martinek, T., 2023, In: Sport, Education and Society. 28, 5, p. 553-564 12 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Thriving in the Community: The Creation and Sustainment of a Community-Driven Literacy Center Peritore, N. R., VanDeusen, E. A., Barker, K., Walker, J. & Simpson, J., Jan 1 2023, Perspectives on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Libraries. IGI Global, p. 198-218 21 p. Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Living and Embracing Intersectionality in Sport: Introduction to the Special Issue Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology Bennett, H., Owens, R. & Prewitt-White, T., Dec 2022, In: Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. 16, 4, p. 297-301 5 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
A randomized, double-blind, clinical pilot trial of adjunct ketone supplement compared to placebo for treating posttraumatic stress disorder Youssef, N. A., Holland-Winkler, A. M., Phung, P., Waller, J. L. & Ponkshe, S., Nov 2022, In: Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. 34, 4, p. 240-244 5 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial of Peer Mentoring Pinto, B. M., Dunsiger, S. I., Kindred, M. M. & Mitchell, S., Aug 1 2022, In: Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 56, 8, p. 842-855 14 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Exercise Task Characteristics Influence Time Perception During Vigorous Exercise Moore, A. R. & Olson, M., 2022, In: Timing and Time Perception. 10, 4, p. 289-305 17 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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