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A domain-specific peer-review checklist for sport science journals: Translating a conceptual framework into practice
Spyridon Plakias11. University of Thessaly , GR2026-08-01|page 172-181AbstractThe peer-review process plays a central role in ensuring the quality and credibility of scientific research; however, it remains characterized by variability, limited standardization, and a lack of domain-specific evaluation criteria. These limitations are particularly evident in sport science, a multidisciplinary field involving complex, context-dependent, and applied performance data. Although several guidelines for peer-review exist, they are often either generic or tailored to specific domains, limiting their applicability to sport science research. The aim of the present study was to develop a comprehensive, domain-specific reviewer checklist for sport science journals. Building on a previously proposed conceptual framework of publishable research, the checklist operationalizes key dimensions of manuscript evaluation into structured criteria, spanning editorial screening, conceptual foundation, methodological and analytical rigor, research transparency, scientific communication, and scientific and practical impact. In addition, the framework integrates both hierarchical and iterative elements of the peer-review process, conceptualizing manuscript evaluation as a cyclical process that begins and concludes with editorial decision-making. The proposed checklist provides a structured and contextually relevant tool to support reviewers in conducting more consistent and transparent evaluations, while assisting editors in decision-making and offering authors clearer expectations. Although not yet empirically validated, the proposed framework represents a step toward improving the quality, consistency, and contextual relevance of peer-review in sport science.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). A domain-specific peer-review checklist for sport science journals: Translating a conceptual framework into practice. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 172-181. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.741 -
Reclaiming the value of qualitative analysis in sports performance research
Spyridon Plakias11. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly , GR2026-03-03|page 1-6AbstractQuantitative metrics and technology-driven approaches have reshaped sports performance analysis (SPA), yet they risk overshadowing the equally vital contribution of qualitative methods. This opinion paper highlights the value of qualitative analysis in capturing the complexity, context, and meaning of player and team behaviors, elements that numbers alone cannot explain. Drawing on video-based evaluations, case studies, and narrative reconstructions, qualitative approaches provide insights into tactical, psychological, and interactional dimensions of performance that are indispensable for bridging the science–practice gap. By integrating qualitative and quantitative perspectives, SPA can achieve a more balanced and applicable paradigm, ensuring that scientific research remains relevant to real-world coaching and athlete development. This paper calls for a renewed recognition of qualitative methods as a central pillar of SPA and invites further scholarly contributions to this evolving discussion.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). Reclaiming the value of qualitative analysis in sports performance research. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.672 -
Correlation Between Blood Lactate and Salivary Biomarkers During Exercise in Women with Hypothyroidism Treated With L-Thyroxine
Romeu Paulo Martins Silva1, Alexandre Gonçalves2, Carolina Freitas da Silva3, Miguel Júnior Sordi Bortolini4, Elmiro Santos Resende5, Luis Carlos Oliveira Gonçalves6, Aníbal Monteiro de Magalhães-Neto7, Foued Salmen Espindola81. Federal University of Catalão, Brazil , BR2. IMEPAC University Center, Araguari - MG, 38444-128, Brazil , BR3. Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco - AC, 69920-900, Brazil , BR4. Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco - AC, 69920-900, Brazil , BR5. Federal University of Uberlandia - MG, 38405-320, Brazil , BR6. Federal University of Mato Grosso - MT, 78060-900, Brazil , BR7. Federal University of Mato Grosso - MT, 78060-900, Brazil , BR8. Federal University of Uberlandia - MG, 38405-320, Brazil , BR2024-05-05|page 57-76AbstractBackground: Hypothyroidism reduces circulating levels of thyroid hormones metabolic enzymatic activities, and the skeletal muscle's work capacity and lactatemia increase during exertion.
Objectives: To analyze salivary biomarkers and blood lactate obtained in exercise stages through exhaustion and investigate their correlation.
Methods: Eight females attended the University Clinical Hospital who showed a condition of subclinical hypothyroidism. Before they began replacing with L-thyroxine, they were submitted to an ergometric test to check their tolerance to effort. Eight weeks after treatment, all volunteers were again submitted to lab and ergometric tests. Saliva and blood were collected to determine total protein, nitric oxide, IgA, lactate, and lipid profile.
Results: The present study identified a correlation (0.8), so the behavior of the blood lactate could explain the behavior of the salivary of total proteins by 74.22% (R2 = 0.7422). Lactate production was minimized when women underwent L-thyroxine treatment in the first six stages of exercise. Still, total salivary proteins increased for pharmacotherapy between stages 1 and 8. While salivary nitric oxide had a percentage variation between pre- and post-exercise times of 96% before the start of treatment when the same exercise was performed after eight weeks of treatment with L-Thyroxine, this variation was 150%.
Conclusion: The measurement of STP is an essential marker of stress, and it is highly correlated with the most used blood marker, lactate. Regarding treatment with L-Thyroxine in women with subclinical hypothyroidism, after eight weeks of this therapy, it was possible to observe a reduction in blood lactate production after the incremental load test on a cycle ergometer, accompanied by a reduction in the concentration of SA. SNO and SIgA tended to increase in women undergoing treatment, and this treatment should be considered in subsequent studies as causing a different effect on these markers.
APA Citation StyleSilva, R. P. M. , Gonçalves, A. , Silva, C. F. D. , Bortolini, M. J. S. , Resende, E. S. , Gonçalves, L. C. O. , Magalhães-Neto, A. M. D. , & Espindola, F. S. (2024). Correlation Between Blood Lactate and Salivary Biomarkers During Exercise in Women with Hypothyroidism Treated With L-Thyroxine. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 57-76. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v3i1.346 -
Mislabeling latent variables in factor analysis applied to football playing style research: A commentary
Spyridon Plakias11. Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Thessaly , GR2026-03-25|page 40-46AbstractThe application of exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) has become increasingly prevalent in football analytics, offering a robust framework for identifying and quantifying playing styles. By condensing a large set of performance indicators into factors, these techniques provide valuable insights into tactical patterns. However, a persistent challenge lies in the subjective labeling of these factors, which can lead to ambiguous or misleading interpretations. This commentary highlights the issue of mislabeling latent variables in football playing style research, drawing on examples from recent studies to illustrate how inaccurate labels can distort both theoretical understanding and practical applications. The implications of poor labeling extend beyond academic discourse, potentially affecting coaches and analysts who rely on data-driven insights for tactical planning. To address these challenges, we propose best practice recommendations emphasizing conceptual clarity, standardized terminology, and expert validation. Accurate and consistent factor labeling is essential to ensure the reliability, comparability, and practical relevance of findings in the evolving field of football performance analysis.
APA Citation StylePlakias, S. (2026). Mislabeling latent variables in factor analysis applied to football playing style research: A commentary. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 40-46. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.693
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