Peer Review Policy

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

All research articles, and most other article types, published in Springer journals/proceedings undergo peer review. 

Initial evaluation of Research Paper :  All submitted papers are first evaluated by the Journal editors from the speciality physiotherpay. The technical aspects of articles are checked by editors. Also editors checks whether the articles match the objectives of journals. Editors can decide at this stage whether to accept or reject the submitted papers. Manuscripts are rejected if they are not fitting in guidelines , with some scientific flaws, have poor grammar or English language, or they are outside the aims and scope of the VIMS Journal of Physical therapy. The articles which meet the criteria are sent at least 2 experts in the field of physiotherapy for review. 

Type of Peer Review :  Double blind reviewing of all articles is conducted wherein,both the reviwer and author remain anonymous throughout the process. 

Selection of the Reviwers :  Reviewers are slected based on Set criteria of the Journal. They are matched to the speciality of the paper submitted, according to their expertise. Preference is given to the experienced teachers in Physical therapy with vast research experience.

Anonymity of the reviewers: It will be maintained by the journal office from the authors. However, reviewers should also take the precaution to avoid getting identified in the comments written for authors for clarification of the work. Reviewers can disclose themselves for being a reviewer of the journal but not for specific manuscript, publicly.

Review Reports: All reviwers are expected to complete the review process in stipulated time and submit report online through their login id. Reviewers are asked to evaluate whether the manuscript: - Is original - Is methodologically sound - Follows appropriate ethical guidelines - Has results which are clearly presented and support the conclusions - Correctly references previous relevant work and possibility of plagirism.

Final Decesion:  A final decision to accept or reject the research paper will be sent to the author along with any recommendations made by the reviwers. Editor plays important role in decesion making as the reports are received  by editors too.

Editor’s Role  reviewers send their decesion to the editor, who is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject the article.