Manuscript Types

The International Journal of Strength and Conditioning (IJSC) accepts a wide range of manuscript types to address the diverse needs of the strength and conditioning community. Each type has specific requirements to ensure clarity, relevance, and quality in published content. Submissions must adhere to the journal’s Author Guidelines, Publication Ethics and Editorial Policies.

1. Original Research Articles

  • Description: Traditional research articles presenting novel findings in strength and conditioning.
  • Structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and Future Recommendations.
  • Word Limit: 2,000–4,000 words.
  • Requirements: Abstract (150–300 words), up to 100 references, and appropriate figures and tables.

2. Brief Reports

  • Description: Short papers outlining preliminary findings, innovative ideas, or novel methodologies.
  • Word Limit: Up to 2,000 words.
  • Requirements: Abstract (100–200 words), maximum of three tables or figures, and up to 25 references.

3. Informed Perspectives

  • Description: Articles providing critical analysis and discussion of significant topics within strength and conditioning.
  • Word Limit: 4,500–5,000 words.
  • Requirements: Abstract (up to 400 words) and sufficient references to support the discussion.

4. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

  • Description: Comprehensive reviews synthesizing existing research, often with quantitative analysis (meta-analysis).
  • Structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.
  • Word Limit: Variable, depending on the depth of analysis.

5. Narrative Reviews

  • Description: Descriptive reviews offering insights and perspectives on a specific topic, often where evidence is limited.
  • Requirements: Authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office prior to submission to determine suitability.

6. Case Studies

  • Description: Detailed reports on interventions or practices in strength and conditioning, offering practical insights.
  • Requirements: Include participant details where appropriate, detailed methodology, and any relevant consent, confidentiality, and ethical considerations.

7. Commentaries

  • Description: Short articles discussing or expanding upon themes from recently published journal articles.
  • Word Limit: Up to 2,000 words.
  • Requirements: Evidence-based arguments and appropriate referencing.

8. Book Reviews

  • Description: Critical evaluations of in-print books relevant to strength and conditioning.
  • Word Limit: 500–2,000 words.
  • Requirements: Summary of the book’s key themes, strengths, and relevance to the field.

9. Ideas and Innovations

  • Description: Proposals of novel concepts, theories, or methodologies to advance the field of strength and conditioning.
  • Requirements: Submissions should critically evaluate current practices and provide a thorough literature review.

10. Corrigenda

  • Description: Corrections to errors in previously published articles.
  • Requirements: Limited to factual errors and applicable only to final published articles, not discussion papers.

General Requirements

  • All manuscript types must include clear, concise writing and adhere to ethical standards.
  • Authors should consult the Author Guidelines for detailed formatting and submission instructions.

Ethical Considerations

The IJSC emphasizes transparency and ethical compliance in all submissions. Authors must disclose conflicts of interest, comply with applicable research ethics requirements, and include appropriate citations and permissions where relevant. Where applicable, manuscripts must include ethics approval, consent, and data transparency information in line with the journal’s Publication Ethics policy.

Support for Authors

For more information or to determine the suitability of your manuscript type, contact the editorial office or refer to the journal’s Publication Ethics page.