(Note that these descriptions are also provided in the Google form for reference)
Abstracts Reporting Original Data
Purpose: The abstract should begin with a clear statement of the precise purpose or question addressed. If an a priori hypothesis was tested, it should be stated.
Method: The basic design of the study should be described, including participants/setting and variables/measures. The numbers of participants and how they were selected should be provided. Key socio-demographic features of participants should be stated. Selection procedures, entry criteria, and numbers of participants entering and finishing the study may also be included. The study setting(s) may be described (general community, a primary care or referral center, private or institutional practice, ambulatory or hospitalized care) as well as the level of sport participation (pee wee/youth, high school, collegiate, semi-professional, or professional). Describe the design of the study. The primary study variables and instruments should be clearly explained.
Results: The main results of the study should be given. When possible, the results should be accompanied by summary statistics (e.g., M and SD) for each group, confidence intervals (for example, 95% CI) and/or effect sizes, and relevant statistical values (e.g., the summary statistic such as t or F and the p-value).
Conclusion(s): Only those conclusions of the study that are directly supported by the evidence reported should be given. Equal emphasis should be given to positive and negative findings of equal scientific merit. If clinical applications are described, avoid speculation and over-generalization and indicate whether additional study is required before the information should be used in usual clinical settings.
Abstracts Reporting Theoretical/Quantitative Reviews, including Meta-analyses
Purpose: The abstract should begin with a precise statement of the primary purpose of the review. The focus of this statement should be guided by whether the review emphasizes factors such as cause, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, or prevention. It should include information about the specific population, intervention or exposure, and test or outcome that is being reviewed.
Data Selection: This section may include data sources, data selection criteria, and data extraction as relevant to the review. If informal procedures were used, this should be stated. Describe the data sources that were searched, including dates, terms, and constraints. Identify the number of studies reviewed and the criteria used for their selection. Summarize guidelines used for abstracting data and how they were applied.
Data Synthesis: State the main results of the review and the methods used to obtain the results. For formal meta-analytic procedures, provide relevant statistical values (e.g., effect sizes).
Conclusions: The conclusions and their applications should be clearly stated, limiting generalization to the domain of the review. The need for new studies may be suggested.
Case Studies
Purpose: Briefly describe the nature of the case as well as the associated existing literature.
Method: Report demographic information and clinical history (onset, nature/severity, and course of symptoms, comorbid conditions, etc.), differential diagnoses, and other relevant background information. Describe any specialty procedures or treatments/interventions employed. Describe instruments used to measure outcomes.
Results: Present the results of consultations, clinical exams, formal labs/tests and other procedures. For quantitative data, provide relevant test scores or lab values and appropriate statistics (e.g., reliable change indices, summary statistic, p value).
Conclusions: Discuss the findings and final conclusions as well as associated treatment options if appropriate.
