Peer Review Policy
Peer Review Process/policy of VIMS Journal of Physical Therapy (VIMSJPT)
The VIMS Journal of Physical Therapy (VIMSJPT) ensures that all research articles and most other submissions undergo a rigorous peer review process in alignment with the standard guidelines. This process maintains the integrity, quality, and relevance of published content.
Initial Evaluation of Submissions
All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial evaluation by the journal’s editorial team, which comprises subject matter experts in physiotherapy. During this stage:
- Technical Aspects: The editorial team evaluates the manuscript's structure, language, and adherence to the journal’s submission guidelines.
- Relevance to Scope: Manuscripts are assessed for their alignment with the journal’s aims and objectives.
- Preliminary Decisions: Manuscripts may be rejected if they:
- Do not conform to the journal's guidelines.
- Contain scientific flaws.
- Exhibit poor grammar or English language issues.
- Fall outside the journal’s scope.
Manuscripts that meet these criteria proceed to the peer review stage, where they are sent to at least two external experts in the field of physiotherapy for review.
Type of Peer Review
The journal employs a double-blind peer review process to ensure impartiality and objectivity. In this process:
- Authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review.
- Anonymity safeguards the integrity of the review by preventing bias.
Selection of Reviewers
Reviewers are carefully selected based on their expertise and alignment with the subject matter of the manuscript.
- Criteria for Selection: Preference is given to experienced professionals in physical therapy, particularly those with extensive teaching and research backgrounds.
- Review Confidentiality: Reviewers' identities are kept confidential. However, reviewers are encouraged to avoid revealing their identities through comments or suggestions. Reviewers may disclose their association with the journal but not their involvement in specific manuscripts.
Review Reports
Reviewers are provided with detailed guidelines to evaluate manuscripts. Their reports assess whether the manuscript:
- Is original and contributes to the field.
- Adheres to ethical guidelines.
- Is methodologically robust.
- Clearly presents results that support its conclusions.
- Appropriately cites relevant literature and avoids plagiarism.
Reviewers are required to submit their evaluations within the stipulated timeframe through the journal’s online submission system.
Final Decision
The editorial team reviews the feedback provided by the reviewers and makes the final decision regarding the manuscript. The decision may include one of the following outcomes:
- Acceptance with or without minor revisions.
- Request for major revisions.
- Rejection.
Authors are informed of the decision along with reviewer feedback and any recommendations for improvement.
Editor’s Role
Editors play a crucial role in the decision-making process. They:
- Analyze reviewer reports.
- Ensure that the peer review process adheres to journal policies and ethical guidelines.
- Communicate the final decision to authors.
Review Policy
- Preliminary Screening: Manuscripts are first screened by the editorial board for suitability based on section type (e.g., editorial, original article, case report, or review article).
- Plagiarism Check: Submissions undergo a plagiarism check using URKUND/iThenticate/ Turnitin/Drillbit software in accordance with the UGC (2018) regulations on academic integrity and plagiarism prevention.
- Manuscripts with plagiarism levels above acceptable thresholds are rejected outright.
- Double-Blind Peer Review: Eligible manuscripts are sent to reviewers who are subject matter experts. The identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process.
- Editorial Review: Reviewer comments are deliberated by the editorial board before making the final decision to accept, revise, or reject the manuscript.
Commitment to Standards
The peer review process at VIMSJPT upholds transparency, fairness, and academic integrity. By adhering to COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines. The journal ensures the publication of high-quality, original research in the field of physical therapy.