Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS

Purpose and Scope
  The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development is a peer-reviewed scientific rehabilitation research and development publication in the multidisciplinary field of disability rehabilitation. Its mission is to report the results of rehabilitation research relevant to veterans. It exists to improve clinical practice, enhance the quality and relevance of VA rehabilitation research and implement the transfer of biomedical and engineering advances into clinical practice. General priority areas are: Prosthetics, Amputations, Orthotics, and Orthopedics; Spinal Cord Injury and other Neurological disorders (with particular interest in traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and restorative therapies); Communication, Sensory and Cognitive Aids; Geriatric Rehabilitation; and Functional Outcome Research. The Journal receives submissions from sources within the United States and throughout the world.
  Only original Scientific Rehabilitation Research and Development papers (including Pilot Studies) will be considered. All submissions should include statements that the research and development study meets and addresses the special concerns of the clinical core mission of the VHA.
  Technical Notes describing techniques, procedures, or findings of original scientific research may be submitted. Clinical Studies are of interest. These may be studies of an evaluation of a particular prototype developed, a new clinical technique, or other topic of clinical interest. Selective Reviews may also be considered.
  Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Books for Review may be sent by authors or publishers. The Editor will select reviewers.

Review Process
  Scientific papers submitted to the Journal are subject to critical peer review by at least two referees who have expertise in a particular subject. To ensure objectivity, anonymity will be maintained between the author(s) and the referees. The final decision as to a paper's suitability for publication rests on the results of the peer review.

Originality
  A letter signed by all authors (with their full names and academic degrees) must confirm that the contribution has not been published by or submitted to another journal.

Instructions to Contributors
  Authors should prepare manuscripts in accordance with the "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals" developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.
  Manuscripts should meet the following requirements: 1) Original and in English, keeping in mind that English is the first language of many of our readers; 2) Contain an Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References; 3) Be typewritten, in 12-point font, double-spaced with liberal margins, on good quality standard white paper; and, 4) Be accompanied by a plain .TXT file, via either email or 3.5 in (8.9 cm) non-returnable disk. If using Macintosh, please so label on the disk. Manuscripts generally should not exceed 20 double-spaced typed pages. Three hard copies are requested.
  Sponsorship: Source of funding must be included and should be listed on the cover page.
  Abstracts: An Abstract of 150 words or less must be provided with the submitted manuscript. It should give the factual essence of the article and be suitable for separate publication in index journals.
  Key Words: Three to ten key words, preferably terms from the Medical Subject Headings from Index Medicus should be provided.
  Running Heads: A running head (short title) of fewer than 40 characters, including spaces, should be included.

  Figures: Graphics and photos may be used for clarifying the text; list legends on a separate sheet and not on the artwork. Graphics (i.e., drawings, schematics, charts, graphs, etc.) should be 3.5 in (8.9 cm) wide, no more than 7.5 in (19 cm) high, graphic files in .TIF or .JPG format or camera-ready for printing. No external titles or labels are permitted. Computer generations must be printed at a density of 300 or more dpi. Black and white (no color) photos with good contrast are accepted only in 5×7 in (12.5×17.5 cm) format; use no tape on photos. List number and indicate "TOP" on a typed label affixed to the back of each figure. Unacceptable illustrations will be returned for revision.
  References should be typed separately, double-spaced, and numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text. References first cited in tables or figure legends should be numbered so that they will be in proper sequence with references cited in the text. "Unpublished observations" or "personal communications," for which the author has secured permission of the person cited, should be treated as footnotes and not included in the numbering of the references. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their references. Please follow these sample formats, which are in the Vancouver style:
  Article. Gilsdorf P, Patterson R, Fisher S. Thirty-minute continuous sitting force measurements with different support surfaces in the spinal cord injured and able-bodied. J Rehabil Res Dev 1991;28:33-8.
  Chapter in a Book. Wagner KA. Outcome analysis in comprehensive rehabilitation. In: Fuhrer MJ, editor. Rehabilitation outcomes. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing Co.; 1987. p. 233-9.
  Published Proceedings Paper. Kauzlarich JJ, Thacker JG. Antiskid wheelchair brake design. Proceedings of the 14th Annual RESNA Conference; 1991 Jun 21-26, Kansas City, MO. Washington, DC: RESNA Press, 1991. p. 143-5.
  Tables should not duplicate material in text or illustrations. They should be numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals cited in the text. Each table should be typed double-spaced on a separate sheet and should have a brief title. Short or abbreviated column heads should be used and explained, if necessary, in footnotes.
  Mathematical Formulae: Traditional mathematical treatments should be extended by adding brief narrative notes of explanation and definitions of terms, as appropriate, to ensure that readers of other disciplines gain the fullest understanding of the material presented. The Metric System is requested for use in all quantities in text, tables, and figures.
  Specialized Nomenclature. Correct terminology for amputation: above-knee is "transfemoral"; below-knee is "transtibial"; above-elbow is "transhumeral"; and below-elbow is "transradial." This nomenclature is more in keeping with anatomical amputation.

Permissions and Copyright
  Articles published and their original illustrations (unless borrowed from copyrighted sources) are in the public domain. Borrowed illustrations must contain full information about previous publication and credit to be given. Authors must obtain permission to reproduce figures and signed release forms for use of photographs containing identifiable persons, and submit originals of those signed documents with the manuscript.

Review of Proofs
  Proofs will be sent to the first-named author, unless otherwise requested. To avoid delays in publication, proofs should be checked immediately and returned to the publishers by express mail within five working days. If not received within the prescribed time, it will be assumed that no changes are needed.



Manuscripts should be submitted to:

Editor
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
Scientific and Technical Publications Section (122)
103 South Gay Street - 5th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-4051
Telephone: (410)962-1800 x 240
Fax: (410)962-9670