Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Caffeine On Acute Kidney Injury Markers During Simulated Occupational Work In The Heat, Jennifer M. Raef, Jonathan W. Specht, Marissa R. Ramirez, Amber Quintana, Alyssa R. Bailly, Ariel Pena, Ethan Schmidt, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes, Zachary J. Mckenna, Zachary J. Schlader Facsm, Fabiano T. Amorim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is a stimulant widely used by workers in labor-intensive occupations to enhance mood and concentration. Previous research shows that caffeine has a diuretic effect and may increase heat production during activity in the heat, potentially contributing to dehydration and hyperthermia. The prevalence of dehydration and hyperthermia is high in workers who are exposed to hot conditions for extended durations, putting them at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite the high prevalence of caffeine use, the possible effect on AKI is unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of caffeine on markers of kidney function and AKI risk during …

Validation Of Polar Sense Monitor Over Tattooed Skin, Rodolfo I. Mejia

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of tattoos has increased over the years, and, correspondingly, wearable technology, especially heart rate wearables. The signal from the heart rate wearables may be affected by the permanent ink on the skin because of previous validation studies excluding people with tattoos. PURPOSE: Examine the validity of heart rate monitors on people with arm tattoos. METHODS: 20 participants were recruited for this study. There were three conditions in the study that included heart rate measurements at rest, self-paced walking, and self-paced jogging. The Polar H10 and the Polar Verity Sense armband were used as the heart rate monitors. The …

Effects Of Booties On Foot Skin Temperature During Surfing, Juan Leyva, Richard Armenta, Jeff A. Nessler, Sean Newcomer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cold water exposure during surfing can induce cold stress which can potentially impact comfort and performance. Neoprene booties have been marketed to mitigate cold stress within the feet, but there is limited information regarding their effectiveness PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize dorsal and plantar foot skin temperatures between two bootie models (strapped vs. strapless) during sixty minutes of recreational surfing in cold water. METHODS: Thirty-six recreational surfers (25 males and 11 females) with foot sizes between 7 and 10 each wore one strapped and one strapless 3 mm neoprene bootie that were randomized between left and …

Perceived Menstrual Cycle-Related Symptoms Throughout Four Cycles In Elite South American Futsal Athletes., Abigail Larson, Catalina Gamboa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Previous research suggests menstrual cycle (MC) phases have minimal impact on exercise performance; however, less is known about the influences of MC phases on day-to-day training variables, particularly those that are subjective in nature. Mobile apps designed to track MCs are becoming increasingly popular for exercise planning but the utility of these tools for capturing MC-related changes in training/performance variables has not been fully explored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify how the four phases of the MC (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal), predicted by the Fitr Woman App, influence the frequency of daily, self-reported perceptions of decreased …

Exploring The Physiological Limits Of Aging: A Case Study Of The Male 50-Km 80+ World Record Holder, Andrea M. Pilotto, Enrique Higueras-Liébana, Massimiliano Ansaldo, Marianna Neri, Letizia Giusti, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Ángel Buendía-Romero, Pedro Luis Valenzuela, Ignacio Ara, Julian Alcazar, Simone Porcelli

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In literature, age-related changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance are questioned due to potential confounding effects from modifications in exercise training. World-class master athletes serve as exceptional models for understanding high-level physical training impact in older age.

PURPOSE: To examine physiological and performance profiles of a male 81-year-old master runner who in 2025 set a new 80+ world record in the 50-km race (4h47m39s, 10.5 km·h^-1).

METHODS: Two weeks after the new world record, maximal O₂ uptake (V̇O_2max), the fractional utilization of V̇O_2max (lactate threshold - LT) and running economy (RE) …

Phase Angle As An Indicator Of Cellular Health And Body Composition In Active Older Adults, Paxton Castillon, Heather Feeny, Abby Hansen, Alyssa Mcnutt, Matthew Densley, Elizabeth Cafferty, Ben Taylor, Nicolas Clark, Andrew Creer, Dale Wagner Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Phase angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, reflects cellular health and membrane integrity. It is influenced by muscle mass, hydration, and cell membrane function, making it particularly relevant for assessing physiological status in older adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between PhA and body composition variables in active older adults participating in the Huntsman Senior Games.

METHODS: This observational descriptive cross-sectional study included 504 participants (307 women, 197 men; mean age 66.3 ± 7.9 years). Data were collected using the InBody 770 multifrequency body composition analyzer at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. …

Examining Muscle Synergy Deficits In Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Nicholas K. Odani, Chethan N. Reddy, Daniel C. Mcpherson, Kayla D. Seymore, Lori A. Michener

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Neuromuscular deficits observed through electromyography (EMG) of individual muscles are common in rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. However, given that muscles act in coordination, muscle synergy analyses can identify altered neuromuscular patterns that can inform specific interventions to address these deficits.

PURPOSE: Characterize shoulder muscle synergies in RC tendinopathy.

METHODS: 54 individuals with RC tendinopathy (32M, 29.4 ± 8.9 yr) and 54 healthy controls (matched for age, sex, height, weight, and hand dominance) completed four velocity-controlled shoulder elevation tasks with seven repetitions of scaption, flexion, forward reaching, and contralateral reaching. During each task, muscle activity was collected from the …

Who Chooses To Move? A Snapshot Of University Students Enrolled In Physical Activity Courses, Zakkoyya H. Lewis, Ami Rollins, Madeline Gutierrez, Emily Condon, Nicolas Ovalle

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity rates of emerging adults in the United States declines significantly during the transition to university. The university environment can introduce new barriers that prevent students from prioritizing their physical fitness; however, there are other students that make physical activity a priority and embed it into their academic curriculum. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide the characteristics of a sample of university students enrolled in a physical activity course. METHODS: Students registered for a Weight Training and Kickboxing activity course voluntarily enrolled in a study evaluating the impact of enjoyment on physical activity. Participants completed a …

Implementing Exercise Is Medicine At Byu, Destiny Rose Romero, Allen C. Parcell, Ron Hager, Mandy Christensen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recognizing the disconnect between the knowledge of exercise’s utility in medicinal treatment and the lack of exercise prescription in practice, multiple researchers have conducted studies to evaluate practitioner attitudes and experience towards discussing physical activity. Implementing Exercise is Medicine at BYU Student Health Center (IRB2024 – 294) is one such study directed towards Brigham Young University’s integrated health center. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the likelihood of implementing Exercise is Medicine at the Student Health Center (SHC) with the intent of identifying barriers to implementation and brainstorming actionable solutions. METHODS: The electronic survey titled …

Upper Extremity Biomechanical Analysis Of Defensive Flag Pulling In Flag Football, Rianne L. Aguilar, Claudia De La Cruz, Travis J. Peterson

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: This project aimed to determine upper extremity techniques during defensive flag pulls in women’s flag football. METHODS: Eleven healthy, female flag football players with at least high school varsity experience volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were instructed to pull the flag(s) of a stationary dummy placed 3 yards away as fast as possible. Trials were conducted in flags facing forward (F), angled 45° left (L), and angled 45° right (R) of the flag puller. Motion capture (Vicon, 120 Hz) and video analysis were used to analyze technique. The Waterloo Handedness Survey was used to indicate hand preference. …

Influence Of Virtual Reality Cognitive Fidelity On Biomechanical Adaptation And Motor Strategies With A Custom Prosthesis And Foot Controller., Marek R. Kwasek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In an age of digitization, rehabilitation is embracing newer technologies, particularly VR, to enhance motor development and learning skills with real-world applications. With its practical replicability, VR’s visual (i.e., how visually realistic a virtual environment is) and cognitive fidelity (i.e., how well a virtual environment mimics the cognitive demands of real-world tasks) has the potential to influence motor strategies and, ultimately, a person’s functional biomechanics when learning a new skill. PURPOSE: To examine how different levels of visual and cognitive fidelity impact users’ reaching biomechanics when controlling a prosthetic arm using a foot controller. METHODS: Participants completed 12 …

Nanomechanical Effects Of Microgravity On Murine Tendon Fibrils, Patrick Bialy, Andrew S. Ichimura, Kent A. Lorenz, Ryan T. Scott, James R. Bagley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Microgravity, characterized by a weak gravitational pull, poses physiological risks to astronaut health and performance. While its impact on muscle and bone is well documented, effects on connective tissue, such as tendon, remain understudied. PURPOSE: This study aimed to 1) quantify the effects of 37 days of microgravity on the compressive nanomechanics of individual collagen fibrils and 2) compare these findings to existing literature and previously collected lab data. We hypothesized that spaceflight (SF) fibrils would exhibit a lower Young’s Modulus (YM) than ground controls (GC). METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 37 days of spaceflight aboard the International …

The Effect Of Birkenstock® Arizona Sandals On Reducing Gait Changes Linked To Plantar Fasciitis For Level And Incline Walking, Julian D. Macdonald, Christiane R. O'Hara, Scott Hazelwood

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Birkenstock^® Arizona sandals have seen a surge in popularity among college aged students, though limited research is available regarding their effect on foot biomechanics. Understanding the changes to biomechanical parameters caused by footwear choice is valuable information for these footwear users. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze specific biomechanical parameters linked to the development of plantar fasciitis that result from wearing Birkenstock^® Arizona sandals. These parameters included ankle dorsiflexion, eversion, compressive force, anterior displacement of the foot center of pressure, and lower leg muscle activation. METHODS: 6 healthy college aged male participants were recruited to …

Emg Analysis Of The Upper Body During Different Cycling Positions, Nicholas G. Cariquitan, Amara Dumas, Christiane R. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Elite, novice, and beginner cyclists all encounter varying positions on the bicycle to meet comfort and/or performance needs. These positions must take into account the complex relationship between muscular activation, flexibility, and the limits of human biomechanics. PURPOSE: To investigate three bicycle positions and the effect of the rider’s upper body muscular activation and comfort. The bicycle position was defined by hip angles: normal (120-130 degrees), aggressive (110-115 degrees), and upright posture (140-150 degrees), while maintaining a constant knee angle (28-32 degrees). METHODS: 10 college-aged participants with cycling experience from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area were …

Effects Of Acute Sleep Reduction And Aerobic Exercise On Metabolic Function In Healthy Adults, Eric Lessard, Gracie Dupuis, Jocelyn Kaveney, Braden Wilson, Grahm Mcginnis, Ryan Perkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

INTRODUCTION: The number of adults who receive insufficient sleep is progressively increasing, impacting the established relationship between sleep and metabolic function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of acute sleep reduction on metabolic variables at rest and during aerobic exercise. METHODS: Healthy, active adults (n=11; 26.4±5.4 yr; 45% female) were screened to ensure eligibility (i.e., meeting the CDC’s sleep recommendations of 7-9hr/night, apparently healthy, recreationally active, and non-smoking), characterize body composition via DXA and measure maximal cardiovascular capacity (VO2max). Utilizing a within subjects, repeated measures design, participants completed an initial 7d period of …

Correlational Analysis Between Fat-Free Mass And Physical Performance In College Students, Rhea Misra, Giselle Murillo, Fraz Tahir, Tianou Zhang

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Fat-free mass (FFM), the body’s metabolically active tissue excluding fat, plays a critical role in strength, endurance, and overall physical performance. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between FFM and physical performance in college students. METHODS: FFM was evaluated using the BodPod in a sample of 21 male and 12 female students. Various performance metrics were measured, including handgrip strength, aerobic capacity (via VO₂max test), anaerobic capacity (peak power and peak force through Wingate test), vertical jump height, and broad jump distance. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate correlations between FFM and performance …

Interleukin-6 As A Mediator Of Circadian And Sex Differences In Exercise-Induced Stat3 And Autophagy Signaling, Srushti Wagh, Ariana Khzarjyan, Joshua Corpuz, Elias M. Malek, Charli Aguilar, Michael Dial, Paula Martinez, Graham Mcginnis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Circadian rhythms are highly conserved across tissues and play an important role in regulating how the heart responds to physiological and pathological stress. Exercise is known to be cardioprotective, yet the impact of exercise timing on molecular signaling is still being explored. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an exercise-induced cytokine which has been shown to be important to cardioprotection and metabolism. It is currently unknown how exercise timing modulates the IL-6 signaling pathway in the heart.

PURPOSE: To investigate how time-of-day and IL-6 influence exercise-induced activation of STAT3 and its downstream signaling pathways in male and female mouse hearts.

METHODS: Wild-type and …

Comparison Of Lower Limb Sagittal Plane Kinematics Measured Using Opencap And Traditional Mocap During Single Limb Squat Analysis In Patients Post-Aclr, Alexander Chen, Jiaqi Wang, Susan Sigward, Willa Ma, Grace Choi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

OpenCap (Stanford University) uses standard smartphone cameras and computer vision algorithms to estimate joint kinematics without markers. With affordable equipment and reasonable setup procedures, it may provide an alternative to visual assessment of movement impairments in the clinic. Subtle alterations in joint kinematics can be relevant to the interpretation of recovery progress following musculoskeletal injury or surgery such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). It is important to understand the level of agreement between new tools for assessment and gold standard kinematic measures. PURPOSE: To determine concurrent validity of kinematic data collected using OpenCap and gold standard technologies during …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Hip, Knee, And Ankle Kinetics During Rear Foot-Elevated Split Squats, Sara C. Mills, Jaime Alvarado, Tyler Lindholm, Michele Leblanc Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Rear foot-elevated split squats (RFESS) are a widely used movement to increase lower body strength, but little is known about how fatigue alters joint torque demands across the ankle, knee, and hip. Previous research has shown that fatigue changes kinematics during RFESS, increasing hip and knee motion while reducing ankle movement, but the effect on joint torques remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of fatigue on ankle, knee, and hip torque in the sagittal and frontal planes during the eccentric and concentric phases of the RFESS in active females aged 18–25. METHODS: Participants performed repeated body weight RFESS until …

High-Dose Sodium Supplementation On Hydration And Thermoregulatory Responses While Cycling In The Heat, Melani Kelly

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sodium is commonly included in sports beverages to promote hydration and support carbohydrate (CHO) absorption, typically at concentrations of ~270-400mg. Recently, high-dose sodium supplements, often approaching 1000mg and lacking CHO, have entered the market with minimal evidence to support their use. PURPOSE: Investigate how hydration and thermoregulatory responses change during cycling in the heat when consuming a supplement containing 810mg of sodium. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active participants (15 males, 5 females; age = 23.4 ± 2.8) completed a 2-h bout of cycling in an environmental chamber (37.3℃, 59.1 ± 4.4% relative humidity) on two occasions separated by > 7 …

Understanding The Effects Of Training On Brain And Muscle Hemodynamics During Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue, Aqueen Lenon, Christine Dy, Stefan Keslacy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: While the muscle fatigue during weightlifting exercise is well-documented, the relationship of brain/muscle activity are less known. PURPOSE: to investigate the changes in oxygenation levels in the brain and muscles during resistance training, comparing these effects between athletes (ATH) and sedentary (SED) individuals. METHODS: 24 participants (14 SED, 10 ATH) were recruited. The bench press protocol included four sets of twelve repetitions at a weight corresponding to a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 6. Oxygenation levels in prefrontal cortex and the right triceps muscle were continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) (Oxymon Mk III). NIRS data …

Intensity Over Effort: Exercise Prescription Strategies For Glycemic Control, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Kosar Valaei, Maja Gebauer, Christine Mermier, Jonathan Little Facsm, Luotao Lin, Gretchen Ray, Roberto M. Alvidrez, Zachary Mang, Fabiano T. Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Resistance exercise (RE) is effective in mitigating the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes, but long-term adherence is low in these populations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are important tools in clinical practices to assist glycemic control. Previous meta-analysis shows the functionality of CGM devices among different exercise modalities but mentions the lack of studies with controlled diet and physical activity levels in free-living conditions. PURPOSE: To examine whether perceived effort during RE influences glycemic control and psychological outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2D using CGM under free-living conditions. METHODS: In randomized order, 25 …

Dexterity Assessment Scores Vary With Controller Type But Not Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Player Skill, Jacob D. Cervantes, Dillon Harris, Zachary R. Mcfadden, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Within the expanding Esports industry, competitive Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) players require high neuromotor execution. They consequently select controllers and permit functional modifications to match the individual precision and dexterity preferences within their playstyle. PURPOSE: To examine how skill level and controller preference impact dexterity scores in SSBU players of differing skill relative to each other and non-gamers. METHODS: 56 (22 male casual CAS; 24y ± 4; play >4 hr per week, 15 male ES; 24y ± 4; top 150 globally- ranked competitive SSBU players, and 19 non-gamer controls NG; 24y ± 5; 16F/3M) subjects voluntarily participated …

Different Glycemic Control Responses In Women And Men With Type 2 Diabetes And Prediabetes To Resistance Exercise, Kosar Valaei, Oscar Chavez Jr., Marissa Ramirez, Jacob D. Dawes, Isaac Chapman, Maja Gebauer, Christine M. Mermier, Jonathan Little, Luotao Lin, Gretchen M. Ray, Roberto Mota, Zachary A. Mang, Fabiano Amorim, Valmor Tricoli, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) is recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes to improve glycemic control, but sex differences remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate sex-related differences in glycemic responses to RE in individuals with T2D and prediabetes METHODS: Twenty-five participants (12 males, 13 females, 36–78 year) with T2D or prediabetes completed four randomized crossover sessions: a high-intensity (HI) RE session (3 sets × 8 reps, 75%-1RM, 120 seconds interval), a rest-redistribution (RR) RE session (6 sets × 4 reps, 75%-1RM, 60 seconds interval), a low-load (LL) RE session (3 sets × 16 reps, 37.5%-1RM, 103 seconds …

Unlocking The Potential Of Citrulline Malate: A Pilot Study, Fabiola E. Bejarano, Elisa L. Milkie, Parker Andersen, Jenevieve L. Roper Facsm

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Citrulline malate (CM) is an ergogenic aid hypothesized to improve exercise performance by promoting nitric oxide (NO) production resulting in increased vasodilation, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles. It is also thought to increase the synthesis of ATP and aerobic efficiency via malate and the TCA cycle. Prior research demonstrates improvements in upper and lower body submaximal resistance training exercise performance in females; however, limited research exists on the effects of CM supplementation on submaximal aerobic exercise performance in females. PURPOSE: Determine the effects of acute CM supplementation on submaximal time-trial (TT) performance in females. …

Use Of A Smartphone App Influences Diet Quality Among College Students., Alexis Arle, Mandy Korpusik, Delaram Yazdansepas, Gabrielle Besio, Samantha Chuakay Lim, Cameron Sumaquial, Hawley C. Almstedt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Diet quality can protect or increase risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Diets rich in carotenoids are linked to reduced risk of NCDs. Dietary carotenoids can be measured in the skin and can serve as a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether use of the In2Eat app improved diet quality among college students. METHODS: We administered a baseline survey including the Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ). Participants were also tested for skin carotenoid levels using a spectrophotometer (Konica Minolta 600D) as an indicator of diet quality. Participants were asked to use the …

Validity And Reliability Of Wrist-Worn Wearable Body Composition Estimation, Setareh Zarei, Rodolfo Mejia, James Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Usage of wearable technology is increasing in popularity every day. Samsung is a popular brand that manufactures wearable fitness trackers capable of measuring body composition (Galaxy Watch7). Because body composition is a common way to determine body fat percentage (FM %) and fat mass (FM), the validity and reliability of wearables to provide accurate measures (body fat percentage and fat mass) during body composition is important. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze and assess the validity and reliability of body fat percentage and fat mass from the Samsung Galaxy watch7 vs. DXA scan and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). METHODS …

Trunk Rotational Range Of Motion And Abdominal Oblique Strength In High School And Collegiate Baseball Pitchers: Implications For Performance And Energy Flow, Belinda Aldern, Arnel Aguinaldo, Avery Takata, Antonio Squillante

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Baseball pitching requires complex sequencing of the kinetic chain, with the trunk serving as an integral role for linking the lower body to the upper body. Despite past research on energy flow in pitching, there is an increased need to study age-specific performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in Trunk Rotational Range of Motion (TRROM) and Abdominal Oblique Strength (AOS) between high school and collegiate baseball pitchers and how these variables relate to performance and mechanical energy flow through the lumbosacral (L5S1) joint. METHODS: 12 High School and 12 Collegiate aged pitchers …

“No Ifs, Ands, Or Butts”: Analyzing Race And Gender In Sex And The City Through Black Feminist Theory, Daniella Orias

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

This article analyzes Season 3, Episode 5 of Sex and the City, “No Ifs, Ands, or Butts,” through the lens of Black feminist theory. It investigates how race and gender are constructed, stereotyped, and selectively represented within the episode’s narrative. The analysis focuses on two Black characters who were featured only in one episode of the series, Adeena and Chivon, and examines how the show portrays harmful stereotypes such as the angry Black woman (Adeena) and sexualized Black male (Chivon) in the episode. These limited and harmful representations are further scrutinized by the fact that the show is often …

Only One Percent Of Important Shark And Ray Areas In The Western Indian Ocean Are Fully Protected From Fishing Pressure, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Ryan Charles, Andrew J. Temple, Peter M. Kyne, Emiliano García‐Rodríguez, Adriana Gonzalez‐Pestana, Amanda Batlle‐Morera, Théophile L. Mouton, Asia O. Armstrong, Christoph A. Rohner, Darren J. Coker, Royale S. Hardenstine, Alexander Kattan, Ashlie J. Mcivor, Viktor Nunes Peinemann, Kaitlyn A. O'Toole, Lea Palm, Eloise B. Richardson, Kalli Valappil Akhilesh, Haleh Ali Abedi, Reem K. Almealla, Dareen Almojil, Samantha Andrzejaczek, Arzucan N. Askin, Avik A. Banerjee, Hamid R. Bargahi, Alissa J. Barnes, Svetlana Barteneva‐Vitry, Siamak Behzadi, Aymeric Bein

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is known for its high diversity of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras). However, intense fishing pressure has led to severe population declines and local extinctions of several species. The Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) process is a collaborative, evidence-based approach used to identify critical habitat for chondrichthyans. We analysed ISRAs across the WIO to quantify the diversity of research methods used to identify them, evaluate spatial overlap with designated marine protected areas (MPAs), model the influence of several species- and jurisdiction-specific variables on ISRA delineation, and explore the importance of incorporating unpublished data into …