The quality of research in sports journals. Issue 2 (1st April 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bleakley, C; MacAuley, D
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 36:Issue 2(2002)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2002-04-01
• Subjects: research -- quality -- evidence basis -- study types; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.36.2.124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine the evidence base of sports medicine research. Methods: A sample of four major journals that present core research in sport and exercise medicine ( British Journal of Sports Medicine, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, and Physical Therapy ) was examined using assessment criteria taken from the READER method. Results: Randomised controlled trials comprised 10% or less of all original research articles. Observational/descriptive studies were the most commonly published study design. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in the contents of the four journals but when they were compared by categorising the better quality methods together (randomised control trial, case-control, and cohort studies), the difference was not significant (p = 0.09). Conclusions: The overall pattern of publication type seems remarkably stable over medical journals, indicating that the quality of sports medicine research is comparable to that in other specialities.