Documentation in Exercise Science
Opinions are unimportant and harmful to our discipline. Instead, observable phenomena must be tested through the scientific method. Therefore, every factual statement in exercise science writing should be cited. It is unfortunate, but there is not one single style utilized in exercise science writing. Generally, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and American Medical Association styles are most common and are similar enough that software tools such as Endnote can help guide authors appropriately. The ACSM utilizes uniform guidelines for biomedical journals published by the NLM (Patrias). Careful preparation of scientific manuscripts to conform to each journal’s style is needed. When referring to non-academic publications, however, there is more freedom which may be attributed to our young discipline.
Reference
Patrias K. Citing medicine: the NLM style guide for authors, editors, and publishers [Internet]. 2nd ed. Wendling DL, technical editor. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2007. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/citingmedicine.