Information for Authors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine is pleased to consider original papers related to the medical aspects of sports, exercise, and fitness. We encourage the following types of articles that transmit principles of caring for active patients to primary physicians: review articles, case reports, clinical quiz (formerly ECG quiz and imaging quiz), brief reports (research) and clinical techniques. Manuscripts are considered on the condition that they are contributed solely to The Physician and Sportsmedicine.
Manuscripts should be typewritten and double-spaced. Please refer to our manuscript checklist. The right margin should not be justified. If the manuscript is stored on a Macintosh or IBM disk, send a copy of the disk and indicate what type of software was used. Manuscript pages should be numbered; the original and three copies should be submitted. Please include a completed manuscript checklist. Authors' full names, degrees, professional affiliations, and addresses should be included. Each author may include one professional membership. The cover letter should indicate which author will handle correspondence related to the article and should provide, in addition to that author's full mailing address, his or her telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address.
References should not exceed 25. They should be cited in numerical order in the text and listed in the same order at the end of the text. References should be formatted in the style of Index Medicus, as shown in the following examples:
Journal reference: Hodgkin SE, Hoffmann TJ: Minimizing corns and calluses. PhysSportsmed 1990;18(6):87-91
Book reference: Rowell LB: Human Circulation: Regulation During Physical Stress. New York City, Oxford University Press, 1986
Generic names of drugs and other products should be used, unless use of a particular brand is relevant to patient outcome.
Acknowledgments should be used only to give credit to sponsors or grantors and to thank persons who contributed to the quality of the article, eg, by helping to analyze data. Manuscript typists and other persons providing assistance as part of their regular duties should not be included.
CME Questions: All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 3 objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.
Illustrations: The Physician and Sportsmedicine welcomes illustrations, either color slides (one original for each figure) or black-and-white prints (three copies). If radiographic films are to be used as illustrations, three black-and-white photographic prints should be submitted. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1600 x 1200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files. Illustrations should be identified by number and author's name, and the top should be indicated. Illustrations and tables must be numbered in sequence and cited in the text. Legends for figures should be typed double-spaced on a separate sheet. Each table should be typed on a separate sheet. If an illustration, table, or figure has been published before, full acknowledgment and written permission from the original publisher must be provided before the article is published. Illustrations will be returned.
Review process: Articles that meet the editors' criteria are reviewed by at least two independent experts in the subject area of the article. Authors are notified when we receive a manuscript, but will not hear from us again until we accept the manuscript, reject it, or request a revision. This may take 6 to 8 weeks.
Editing: Articles will be edited to conform to the journal's style and format. An edited typescript will be sent to the corresponding author for approval.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine also welcomes submissions for these departments:
- Pearls: Practical tips sports medicine professionals have developed through treating active patients. Illustrations or photos welcome.
Review Articles - Instructions to Contributors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine invites review articles for publication consideration. The purpose of review articles is to provide readers with current, practical information on the broad range of topics in sports medicine.
Clinical relevance and practical application are the main goals of each review. The journal expects the quality of submitted papers to be high. The writing style should be clear and scientific; avoiding jargon and colloquialism. The paper should give the clear impression that available knowledge has been assimilated, integrated, and interpreted rather than repeated from other sources.
For unsolicited reviews, we prefer to receive an outline in advance of preparation of the full article.
The final manuscript should have the following components:
Cover Letter
The cover letter must: 1) state that the article has not been published previously and is not being submitted elsewhere; 2) state that the manuscript is the original work of the authors and that all authors have approved its submission; 3) disclose any potential conflict of interest. Specifically, describe any financial relationship you have with the manufacturer of a product discussed in the article or a competitive product. This includes, but is not limited to, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, royalty fees, ownership, or support in preparation of the manuscript.Abstract
Short summary of the content of the paper, maximum 100 words. The abstract should include key words that are used by electronic indexes to permit searches.Introduction
One to two paragraphs that summarize the problem or issues and how they will be addressed in the manuscript.Main Body
This is where clinical information as well as information from the literature is not only discussed but, more importantly, synthesized. Simple cataloging of information is not acceptable. Attention should be paid to the type of study design when original clinical research is referenced and a measure of the strength of evidence should be supplied; that is, strength of the study design should be discussed in addition to the content of the papers reviewed. Discussion of the topic should be focused yet thorough. Subheadings should be used to separate subtopics. Common subtopics include pathophysiology, biomechanics, clinical presentation, history, physical examination, differential diagnosis, investigation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return to activity. Those subtopics that help to improve a busy clinician's understanding are important to include.Conclusion
Succinct and as directive as possible.References
Reference lists should be complete and cited in order of appearance in the manuscript. A maximum 25 references is permitted for publication of the full reference list within journal pages. If more than 25 references are necessary, 10 representative suggested readings should be chosen for print publication, and the full reference list will be published on The Physician and Sportsmedicine's web site.Figures
Illustrations, radiographs, tables, and graphs are encouraged. Each figure or table should be accompanied by a legend that contains sufficient detail that the figure and legend can stand alone. You can submit "sample" figures from other sources since The Physician and Sportsmedicine can redraw original figures. Illustrations, photographs, and radiographs should be submitted as color slides, or black-and-white prints. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1600 x 1200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files.CME Questions
All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 3 CME objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.Length & Format
Maximum length of the body of the article is 3,000 words (12 double-spaced manuscript pages). The editors reserve the right to shorten manuscripts to fit space requirements.Peer Review
All review articles, solicited or unsolicited, will go through the same peer-review process. All manuscripts are held to the same standards and it is important to appreciate the high level of scrutiny the article will come under prior to submitting it.Format
Please see the general instructions and manuscript checklist for formatting requirements.
Case Reports - Instructions to Contributors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine invites case reports for publication consideration. We view case reports as an excellent opportunity to educate through realistic examples. With this goal in mind, case reports must meet the following general criteria:
i) report a new syndrome, injury or medical condition;
ii) report a known, uncommon yet important condition; or
iii) illustrate important clinical educational points such as the unusual presentation of a common problem, complications associated with a common condition, or important diagnostic considerations or techniques.
There are two important factors to be considered when preparing a case report. Conclusions cannot be drawn from a sample size of one and case reports cannot be used to establish causality, recommend treatment, or generalize as to the appropriateness of the care provided. Second, case reports cannot be used as a means by which to comprehensively report on the results of a literature review of a topic - this is more appropriate for a review article. Case reports must be practical and realistic. For example, they should not use tests or procedures or protocols that are not common to clinical practice or that have not previously been reported. Discussion should include a short summary of investigative approaches and current treatment options that are currently the accepted standard of care.
The final manuscript should have the following components:
i) The cover letter must: 1) state that the article has not been published previously and is not being submitted elsewhere; 2) state that the manuscript is the original work of the authors and that all authors have approved its submission; 3) disclose any potential conflict of interest. Specifically, describe any financial relationship you have with the manufacturer of a product discussed in the article or a competitive product. This includes, but is not limited to, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, royalty fees, ownership, or support in preparation of the manuscript.
ii) The case must have at least one figure. Illustrations, photographs, and radiographs should be submitted as color slides, or black-and-white prints. Copies of illustrations from other sources can be used by our artists to produce new illustrations. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1600 x 1200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files. Each illustration or figure should be accompanied by a legend that contains sufficient detail that the figure and legend can stand alone.
iii) A maximum of 10 references will be accepted.
iv) The subheadings to be used are:
a. Abstract (approximately 10 lines of text summarizing the key points of the article)
b. Introduction (one paragraph)
c. Case Report(s)
d. Discussionv) The total length of the manuscript must not exceed six typed, double-spaced manuscript pages; the Editors reserve the right to shorten a manuscript to fit the space requirements. Generally speaking, two figures plus references will limit the maximum text to 1,200 words.
Case reports which could reveal the patient's identity must be accompanied by a letter of informed consent.
Peer Review
All case reports, requested or unrequested, will go through the same peer-review process. All manuscripts are held to the same standards and it is important to appreciate the high level of scrutiny the article will come under prior to submitting it.CME Questions
All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 2 or 3 CME objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.Format
Please see the general instructions and manuscript checklist for formatting requirements.
Clinical Quiz - Instructions to Contributors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine invites Clinical Quiz manuscripts for publication consideration. We view Clinical Quizzes as an opportunity to educate through realistic examples. With this goal in mind, Clinical Quizzes:
i) point to medical conditions, syndromes, or injuries found in active patients;
ii) illustrate an injury or medical condition that presents a difficult decision about activity recommendations; or
iii) illustrate important clinical considerations such as the unusual presentation of or complications from a medical condition or injury.The final manuscript should have the following components:
i) The cover letter must: 1) state that the article has not been published previously and is not being submitted elsewhere; 2) state that the manuscript is the original work of the authors and that all authors have approved its submission; 3) disclose any potential conflict of interest. Specifically, describe any financial relationship you have with the manufacturer of a product discussed in the article or a competitive product. This includes, but is not limited to, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, royalty fees, ownership, or support in preparation of the manuscript.
ii) Each begins with at least one figure, such as such as an x-ray, ECG, MRI, CT, ultrasound, or clinical photograph, that suggests the diagnosis. Clinical or radiographic figures should be submitted as black and white prints or as black and white or color slides. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1600 x 1200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files. Each illustration or figure should be accompanied by a legend that contains sufficient detail that the figure and legend can stand alone.
iii) Case report (maximum 200 words).
iv) Open-ended question that introduces the key discussion points.
v) Diagnosis (single paragraph).
vi) Discussion (maximum 500 words). The discussion sets forth the diagnosis and key relevant features of the relevant history, and physical examination, and diagnostic tests that were needed to confirm the diagnosis or make management decisions. A short summary of investigative approaches and the standard of care for treatment and activity recommendations are generally included.
vii) A maximum of 10 references will be accepted.
The total length of the manuscript must not exceed four typed, double-spaced manuscript pages; the editors reserve the right to shorten a manuscript to fit the space requirements. Generally speaking, one figure plus references will limit the text to approximately 800 words.
Clinical Quizzes in which the history could reveal the patient's identity must be accompanied by a letter of informed consent.
CME Questions
All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 2 CME objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.Peer Review
All Clinical Quizzes, solicited or unsolicited, will go through the same peer-review process. All manuscripts are held to the same standards and it is important to appreciate the high level of scrutiny the article will come under prior to submitting it.Format
Please see the general instructions and manuscript checklist for formatting requirements.
Brief Reports of Original Research - Instructions to Contributors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine invites Brief Reports of original research for publication consideration. The purpose of Brief Reports is to communicate new information to readers in the context of the overall research problem in sports medicine.
New knowledge, rigorous research methods, and clinical relevance are the main criteria by which each submission will be judged. The journal expects the quality of submitted papers to be high. The writing style should be clear and scientific; avoiding jargon and colloquialism.
The final manuscript should have the following components:
Cover Letter
The cover letter must: 1) state that the article has not been published previously and is not being submitted elsewhere; 2) state that the manuscript is the original work of the authors and that all authors have approved its submission; 3) disclose any potential conflict of interest. Specifically, describe any financial relationship you have with the manufacturer of a product discussed in the article or a competitive product. This includes, but is not limited to, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, royalty fees, ownership, or support in preparation of the manuscript.Structured Abstract
Articles containing original data concerning the course (prognosis), cause (etiology), diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or economic analysis of a clinical disorder or an intervention to improve the quality of health care must include a structured abstract of no longer than 200 words using the following headings and information:Objective - State the main question or objective of the study and the major hypothesis tested, if any.
Design - Describe the design of the study indicating, as appropriate, use of randomization, blinding, criterion standards for diagnostic tests, temporal direction (retrospective or prospective), and so on.
Setting - Indicate the study setting, including the level of clinical care (for example, primary or tertiary; private practice or institutional).
Patients or Participants - State selection procedures, entry criteria, and numbers of participants entering and finishing the study.
Interventions - Describe essential features of any interventions, including their method and duration of administration.
Main Outcome Measure(s) - The primary study outcome measures should be indicated as planned before data collection began. If the hypothesis being reported was formulated during or after data collection, this fact should be clearly stated.
Results - Describe measurements that are not evident from the nature of the main results and indicate any blinding. If possible, the results should be accompanied by confidence intervals (most often 95% interval) and the exact level of statistical significance. For comparative studies confidence intervals should relate to the differences between groups. Absolute values should be indicated when risk changes or effect sizes are given.
Conclusions - State only those conclusions of the study that are directly supported by data, along with their clinical application (avoiding over-generalization) or whether additional study is required before the information should be used in usual clinical settings. Equal emphasis must be given to positive and negative findings of equal scientific merit.
Introduction
One to two paragraphs that summarize the problem or issues and how the research is designed to improve understanding of the problem.Methods
Enough detail should be presented here so the reader can understand clearly how the study was performed.Results
The results can be reported in the text, using tables, or figures. Generally speaking, figures should be used for larger amounts of data. Statistical analyses should also be reported.Discussion
This is where the research results are discussed in relation to the underlying clinical question. Discussion should be limited to the data presented and should not include speculation beyond that which can be generalized from the data.Conclusion
Succinct and as directive as possible.References
Reference lists should be complete and cited in order of appearance in the manuscript. A maximum 25 references is permitted for publication of the full reference list within journal pages. If more than 25 references are necessary, 10 representative suggested readings should be chosen for print publication, and the full reference list will be published on The Physician and Sportsmedicine's Web site.Figures
Illustrations, radiographs, tables, and graphs are encouraged. Illustrations, photographs, and radiographs should be submitted as color slides or black-and-white prints. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1,600 x 1,200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files. Each figure or table should be accompanied by a legend that contains sufficient detail that the figure and legend can stand alone. You can submit "sample" figures from other sources since The Physician and Sportsmedicine can redraw original figures.Length & Format
Maximum length of the body of the article is 1,500 words (6 double-spaced manuscript pages). The editors reserve the right to shorten manuscripts to fit space requirements.CME Questions
All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 3 CME objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.Peer Review
All review articles, solicited or unsolicited, will be subject to the same peer-review process. All manuscripts are held to the same standards and it is important to appreciate the high level of scrutiny the article will come under prior to submitting it.Format
Please see the general instructions and manuscript checklist for formatting requirements.
Clinical Techniques - Instructions to Contributors
The Physician and Sportsmedicine invites manuscripts to be considered for publication in our Clinical Techniques department. The goal of this department is to provide detailed, illustrated instructions for techniques and procedures used by primary care physicians in caring for physically active patients. Maximum published length is two pages.
Clinical Techniques manuscripts should describe one specific diagnostic or treatment procedure or technique, such as applying a short leg cast, obtaining a particular x-ray view, or performing a diagnostic maneuver. The technique described should be accepted within the physician community but not necessarily widely known. All techniques must be safe and not experimental.
The manuscript should not describe comprehensively the diagnosis and treatment for a given injury or condition. A brief discussion of the indications for the technique is appropriate, but the emphasis should be on how to execute the procedure. The tone of the article should be clear and straightforward, neither stiffly formal nor colloquial.
For unsolicited manuscripts, we prefer to receive an outline in advance of preparation of the full article.
The manuscript should have the following components:
- A cover letter that must: 1) state that the article has not been published previously and is not being submitted elsewhere; 2) state that the manuscript is the original work of the authors and that all authors have approved its submission; 3) disclose any potential conflict of interest. Specifically, describe any financial relationship you have with the manufacturer of a product discussed in the article or a competitive product. This includes, but is not limited to, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, royalty fees, ownership, or support in preparation of the manuscript.
- The manuscript must not exceed 1,200 words, excluding references and figure captions.
- The manuscript must include at least one illustration; in most cases more than one illustration is needed to make the explanation clear.
- Illustrations may be submitted in the form of color slides, color or black-and-white prints, or copies of illustrations from other sources that can be used by our artists to produce new illustrations. If images taken with a digital camera are submitted, they should be captured at 1600 x 1200 pixels and, if possible, saved as TIFF files. Each illustration or figure should be accompanied by a legend that contains sufficient detail that the figure and legend can stand alone.
- A maximum of 5 references, cited in order of appearance in the manuscript, will be accepted.
CME Questions
All clinical articles published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine are included in a CME offering sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine. Authors should supply 2 CME objectives to identify the most important points of the article, as well as a multiple choice question (with a,b,c,d answers) based on each objective. Each question must have only one correct answer, which must be contained in the article. We do not use the "True or False" format or "All of the above/None of the above" answers. Objectives, questions, and answers should be enclosed with the manuscript.Peer Review
All Clinical Techniques articles, solicited or unsolicited, will go through the same peer-review process. All manuscripts are held to the same standards, and it is important to appreciate the high level of scrutiny the article will come under prior to submitting it.Format
Please see the general instructions and manuscript checklist for formatting requirements.
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