An Integrated Framework for Publishable Sport Science Research

The rapid growth of scientific publications in sport science has intensified competition for publication and increased the importance of methodological rigor, transparent reporting, and effective scientific communication. Despite the availability of general guidance on scientific writing, recommendations specifically tailored to the context of sport science publishing remain fragmented. The aim of this narrative review was to synthesize methodological, conceptual, and editorial perspectives in order to identify the key factors that influence the quality and publishability of sport science research. The review examines major dimensions of research quality, including theoretical grounding, methodological rigor, statistical inference, open science practices, and the structure of scientific manuscripts. In addition, common weaknesses that frequently lead to manuscript rejection, such as limited scientific contribution, methodological flaws, statistical misinterpretation, and inadequate scientific writing, are discussed. Building on this synthesis, the article proposes an integrated conceptual framework that conceptualizes publishable sport science research as a progressive process moving from conceptual foundations to methodological and analytical rigor, research transparency, and effective scientific communication. The framework, presented as a funnel, illustrates how these interconnected dimensions ultimately contribute to two complementary outcomes: the advancement of scientific knowledge and the practical application of research findings in sport contexts. By providing a structured overview of these elements, the proposed framework aims to support researchers in designing more rigorous studies, improving manuscript quality, and strengthening the impact of sport science research.