Translational Research

The purpose of translational research is to produce meaningful and applicable results that directly benefit clinical practice. Several research designs, including “traditional” research designs, can be published under this submission type but should be focused on clinically applicable topics that contribute to the profession of athletic training in an immediately impactful way.

Translational Research manuscripts should not exceed 3,000 words, excluding references extended methods and data, figures, and tables. See Length Limits below for specific requirements.

Template: To download the fillable template for a Translational Research please follow the link below: Translational Research Template

Title: Titles should be no longer than 15 words and the heading “title” does not need to appear in the submission.

Content Focus: All submissions will be required to designate an Athletic Training Research Agenda Priority. The Athletic Training Research Agenda can be found here. The research priorities are Health Care Competency, Vitality of The Profession, Health Professions Education, Health Care Economics, and Health Information Technology.

Abstract: A 300-word unstructured abstract should accompany your submission.

Video Abstract (Optional): A Video Abstract is an accompanying feature for research articles that should attract viewers to the scientific paper. The aim of the Video Abstract is to promote the highlights of your study. Therefore, it should include the main conclusions and results of the paper, but it should also add something to the written paper. Ideally, it should engage viewers by telling a story, for example by starting with a particular finding, a question, or a distinctive topic around which the story will unfold. Your emphasis must be on ways of capturing the attention of your audience, encouraging them to read your paper. The video can be recorded using any software and should be under 2 minutes in length. The video may include voice-over presentation, podcast, and video capture. The video abstracts will be posted on the manuscript homepage and social media.

Introduction: Previous literature related to the topic is cited and discussed. Rationale for the study, including the purpose statement and hypothesis for clinical practice, is stated clearly.

Methods: Describe the research design of the study. This section should also include any population-specific data that contextualizes the research. Authors are encouraged to consider what demographic variables contextualize the research question and only report relevant variables. To avoid overly complex methods, authors are encouraged to consider presenting procedures, processes, or protocols within the Extended Methods and Data. 

Results: Results should be clearly presented and align with the research aims. To improve the traditional narrative of the results, authors are encouraged to consider presenting statistical analyses within the Extended Methods and Data.  

Discussion: Provide support for the results of the study and how they relate to the purpose and hypothesis. Compare and contrast the results with previous literature. Limitations of the study should be indicated, with suggestions for future research stated.

Translation to Practice: The clinical implications of the research are stated with a focus on how this research can be directly translated into clinical practice. Do not summarize the results, but help readers apply the findings to practice.

References: List all references used to support the case at the conclusion of the column. References should follow the format specified by the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition.

Extended Methods and Data (Optional): This section should be used to complement the methods and results, as needed. In this section, please provide a detailed explanation of procedures and processes, interventions, or advanced statistical analysis used in the project. 

Figures, Photos, Illustrations: Each figure must be numbered and cited consecutively in the text. If applicable, arrows or asterisks can be present on figures for identification of specified areas that are discussed in the legend. There is no limit to the number of figures, photos, or illustrations that can be used by the author. 

Tables: Each table must be numbered and cited consecutively in the text and should have a short, descriptive title. Abbreviations used in tables that are not commonly understood should be explained in a table legend. Material that is in the tables should not be repeated in the text. There is no limit to the number of tables that can be used by the author.