The article "Update – Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research" by D. J. Harriss and G. Atkinson outlines the ethical standards and principles that must be followed when conducting research involving human participants or animals for publication in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (IJSM). The authors emphasize the importance of adhering to recognized ethical standards and national/international laws, as detailed in the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. Key points include: 1. **Research Using Human Participants**: Authors must confirm that research has been conducted ethically according to the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring respect for participants' rights and welfare, ethical review, informed consent, and proper conduct. 2. **Research Involving Animals**: Authors must ensure that animal research is conducted ethically according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, focusing on appropriate experimental methods and animal well-being. 3. **Specific Issues in Sports Medicine**: - **Retrospective Ethics**: Data collected for one purpose cannot be used for research without subsequent consent and ethical approval. - **Placebo Use**: Placebos should be used with caution, especially in medical research, to avoid harm. - **Deception**: Deception is only acceptable if there are no reasonable alternatives and participants are debriefed. - **Good Research Practice**: Authors should follow basic principles of good research practice, including planning, conduct, data recording, and reporting. 4. **Statistical Power and Ethics**: Both underpowered and overpowered studies can be unethical. Authors are encouraged to consider statistical power in their study design and reporting. The article also highlights the importance of recognizing ethical principles from professional associations and treaties, such as the International Sociological Association's Code of Ethics, and provides specific guidance on key ethical issues in sports medicine research.The article "Update – Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research" by D. J. Harriss and G. Atkinson outlines the ethical standards and principles that must be followed when conducting research involving human participants or animals for publication in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (IJSM). The authors emphasize the importance of adhering to recognized ethical standards and national/international laws, as detailed in the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. Key points include: 1. **Research Using Human Participants**: Authors must confirm that research has been conducted ethically according to the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring respect for participants' rights and welfare, ethical review, informed consent, and proper conduct. 2. **Research Involving Animals**: Authors must ensure that animal research is conducted ethically according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, focusing on appropriate experimental methods and animal well-being. 3. **Specific Issues in Sports Medicine**: - **Retrospective Ethics**: Data collected for one purpose cannot be used for research without subsequent consent and ethical approval. - **Placebo Use**: Placebos should be used with caution, especially in medical research, to avoid harm. - **Deception**: Deception is only acceptable if there are no reasonable alternatives and participants are debriefed. - **Good Research Practice**: Authors should follow basic principles of good research practice, including planning, conduct, data recording, and reporting. 4. **Statistical Power and Ethics**: Both underpowered and overpowered studies can be unethical. Authors are encouraged to consider statistical power in their study design and reporting. The article also highlights the importance of recognizing ethical principles from professional associations and treaties, such as the International Sociological Association's Code of Ethics, and provides specific guidance on key ethical issues in sports medicine research.