Submission Guidelines

Manuscript Preparation

• Language: English (British spelling preferred)
• File format: Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Spacing: Double-spaced
• Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides
• Page numbers included

Manuscript Structure

1. Title page (submitted separately for blinded review)
2. Abstract (structured where appropriate)
3. Keywords (3–6)
4. Main text
5. References
6. Tables and figures
7. Supplementary materials (if applicable)

Abstract Length

• Original research: ≤250 words
• Reviews: ≤300 words

Word Limits (excluding references)

• Original research: 4,000–5,000 words
• Reviews: 5,000–6,000 words
• Short reports: ≤2,000 words
• Case reports: ≤2,500 words

Reporting Guidelines

Authors must follow appropriate reporting standards:

• CONSORT – randomised trials
• STROBE – observational studies
• PRISMA / PRISMA-ScR – reviews
• CARE – case reports
• SRQR / COREQ – qualitative research

Completed checklists should be uploaded as supplementary files where applicable.

Ethical Requirements

• Ethical approval must be stated for all studies involving human participants
• Informed consent must be documented where applicable
• Research involving athletes, minors, or vulnerable populations must clearly describe safeguards

Referencing Style

APA style.

Submission Process

All manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s online submission system. Submissions undergo initial editorial screening before peer review.

Peer Review Policy

Review Model

ZJSPT operates a double-blind peer review process:

• Authors do not know reviewer identities
• Reviewers do not know author identities

Peer Review Process

1. Initial editorial screening (scope, ethics, completeness)
2. Assignment to at least two independent reviewers
3. Reviewer reports submitted
4. Editorial synthesis and decision

Editorial Decisions

• Accept
• Minor revisions
• Major revisions
• Reject

Timelines

• Editorial screening: ~2 weeks
• Peer review: 4–6 weeks
• Final decision: typically within 8–10 weeks

Publication Ethics

ZJSPT adheres to:

• COPE guidelines on publication ethics
• ICMJE recommendations
• Zero tolerance for plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical conduct

Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a written justification to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals are reviewed independently.

For Authors Contact the Editorial Team