European Journal of Applied Physiology:

Instructions for Authors of Reviews

Aims and scope In supporting the aims of the European Journal of Applied Physiology (EJAP) to promote mechanistic advances in human integrative and translational physiology, EJAP publishes both Unsolicited and Invited Reviews. As with original research manuscripts, physiology is viewed broadly, embracing disciplines such as biomechanics, biochemistry, endocrinology, ergonomics, immunology, motor control, neuroscience and nutrition. The policies, procedures and guidelines that apply to original manuscripts are also applicable to review manuscripts. EJAP seeks only to publish reviews that extend our understanding of mechanistic physiology; thus, annotated literature reviews and summaries of that which is well known will not be considered for publication. Ways in which this might be accomplished include: challenging existing ideas within the literature or opinions held by a particular school of thought, by combining ideas and facts into a unique compilation that currently does not exist within the literature, or by integrating existing knowledge into hypotheses that may drive future research. Thus, potential authors are advised to interpret the available literature, and then to turn that information into new knowledge and ideas that few could arrive at without the experience and thinking that the authors themselves have directed to the topic. Categories of Reviews: Invited Reviews: The submission of an Invited Review can only be accepted following an invitation issued by the Reviews Editor (Nigel Taylor; ntaylor@uow.edu.au) on behalf of EJAP. In some instances, the Reviews Editor will approach prospective authors; in others, authors may approach the Reviews Editor with a proposal. The latter can occur at any time, or in response to a call for expressions of interest, and are subject to an initial screening process. That is, a formal proposal is first submitted to the Reviews Editor for consideration by him in conjunction with input from selected Editors. If a proposal is deemed to be relevant and appropriate, authors receive a formal invitation to write an Invited Review. Such an invitation is not an expression of automatic acceptance, since all submissions are subject to the same stringent peer review process. Unsolicited Reviews: Manuscripts should be submitted directly through the online mechanism (i.e. authors do need not consult with the Reviews Editor).

Manuscript size: The usual format for reviews is a maximal length of 15 printed pages, with one printed page being equivalent to about three typewritten pages formatted as per the instructions to authors. These pages must also include all Figures and Tables, and authors are encouraged to consider the possibility that well-planned Figures may present an attractive supplement or alternative to text. Thus, a word count is generally not applied to reviews, with authors being given the choice of how they may arrange their own manuscript. However, there is no limit to the number of references that authors may cite, with these being in addition to the 15-page allocation. Manuscript presentation notes: Authors must follow the Instructions for Authors that are applicable to EJAP. Language: Spelling is a matter of choice for the authors. Units of measures: Please always use internationally accepted signs and symbols for units, SI units. Abbreviations: Abbreviations should be defined at first mention and used consistently thereafter. However, authors are generally discouraged from excessive use of abbreviations, as this can impede comprehension, particularly when abbreviations do not come from recognised, discipline-specific sources. Abbreviations used less than three times within a manuscript are perhaps best avoided.