The authors must provide a statement of disclosure of conflict of interest, e.g. regarding financial relationship or payment in connection with publication in the German Journal of Sports Medicine. In the submission system “Editorial Manager”, the corresponding author signs before submission a digital form for himself and all corresponding authors, that these principles are accepted.
Ethical Principles
Ethical Principles
The ethical principles of being a physician and those of sports, particularly the general rules for research in sports, will be upheld. This includes adherence to the principles for doping- free sports as outlined in the latest versions of the guidelines by the German Olympic Association for Sports (DOSB), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). All authors commit to following these principles and accepting them, while not excluding scientific discussions regarding such guidelines and rules.
- German Olympic Association for Sports (DOSB)
- Direct link to DOSB’s Anti-Doping section
- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
A fundamental principle in Sports Medicine is to respect the rights of patients, athletes, and subjects - or their legal guardians - according to the Declaration of Helsinki, particularly their rights to self-determination and to agree freely and voluntarily to participate in scientific studies.
- World Medical Association (WMA): Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human
Subjects (Declaration of Helsinki)
Furthermore, it is essential to verify whether approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or registration with PROSPERO is required. The IRB is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring ethical standards are maintained. PROSPERO is an international database for registering systematic reviews, particularly those assessing the effects of healthcare interventions, to enhance transparency and minimize research duplication. Authors must confirm compliance with these requirements before commencing their research.
- Information about Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
- Details about PROSPERO, the international database for registering systematic reviews
Conflict of Interest
Human and Animal Research: Rights and Respectives for Human and Animals,
Informed Consent
Participation in medical research by individuals capable of giving informed consent must be voluntary. While consulting family members or community leaders may be appropriate, no capable individual may participate without freely agreeing. Each potential subject must receive clear information on the study's aims, methods, funding sources, conflicts of interest, researcher affiliations, anticipated benefits, risks, discomfort, post-study provisions, and other relevant details. Subjects must also be informed of their right to decline participation or withdraw consent at any time without penalty.
Information should be tailored to the individual’s needs and delivered effectively. Once the subject confirms understanding, consent must be obtained by a physician or qualified individual, preferably in writing. If written consent is not feasible, non-written consent must be formally documented and witnessed. Participants should have the option to learn about the study’s general outcomes and results. Additionally, ethical principles for experimental animal treatment must comply with relevant laws.