When submitting your manuscript to JEN be sure to type and submit the manuscript using the JEN Template and be sure to indicate the manuscript type on the template. The submitted manuscript must include all tables, figures, and properly formatted references as they will be presented for the final copy of the manuscript. 

On the manuscript submission page, the corresponding author must include all pertinent contact information and include a certifying statement that all work is original, not previously publish in any journal, and that all authors made significant contributions to the manuscript.   

JEN only accepts original works not published or under review in any other peer-reviewed journal. The journal reserves the right to reject research for flaws in research design, statistical analyses, overall low impact, and content outside of the aims and scope. The journal can also reject research due to typographical errors and failure to format according to the template provided below. 

Article Processing Charge (APC)

JEN is committed to a minimal cost article processing charge (APC) for all manuscripts. Upon acceptance of a manuscript the APC of $350 USD must be processed by JEN prior to publication. If a manuscript is accepted for publication, an email including a payment link will be sent to the corresponding author. Manuscripts will not be published by JEN until the APC is finalized via PayPal. 

Annual Unlimited APC Waiver Program

Pinnacle Science aims to offer researchers worldwide an affordable, open-access platform for peer-reviewed research. To support this mission, we provide an Annual Unlimited APC Waiver program, allowing authors from any university or institution to publish unlimited manuscripts for an annual fee of $550 USD per department or school. Alternatively, researchers can pay a one-time APC of $350 USD for each accepted manuscript.

Pinnacle Science encourages research librarians to list this journal among their library's electronic journal holdings.

Open Access
The Journal of Exercise and Nutrition (JEN) is an open access journal whereby all manuscripts are required to undergo the peer review process. Open access content published in JEN is freely available to authors, readers, and institutions. Any user is allowed to read, copy, download, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Guidelines for Human Subjects Research
Authors must state within the manuscript that written informed consent was obtained and the university or institutional review board approved the study. A statement must be included in the manuscript stating “subjects provided informed consent to participate in the study.” Authors are prohibited from providing private and identifiable information of research participants in a manuscript. If a photo is used within a manuscript to illustrate an example of the methods, etc. then the individuals face and other identifiable information must be concealed, blurred or boxed out. All studies, including experimental and non-experimental (surveys, questionnaires, etc.) must ensure complete anonymity for all participants. Any institutional review board exemptions must be explained and identified in the manuscript and information must be included why approval was not required.

Guidelines for Animal Research
Authors must state within the manuscript the university or institutional review board approved the study for animal use. A statement must be included in the manuscript stating ethical treatment of animals was utilized at all times. Authors must disclose information about animal housing, treatment, and if needed, disposal in the manuscript. Any institutional review board exemptions must be explained and identified in the manuscript and information must be included as to why approval was not required. If ethical approval is not required due a national law exemption or lack of national law, then a detailed explanation must be provided.

Manuscript Guidelines
Please use the JEN Template to prepare your manuscript.

Title
Provide a clear and informative title the closely reflects the study. Following the title, include each author's name and affiliation. 

Abstract
Manuscripts must include an abstract with no more than 250 words with the following subheadings: Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion. Be sure to include main findings followed by a succinct conclusion statement. Data and statistics should be included in the abstract, especially for original research. After the abstract, provide three key words that are not included in the title.

Introduction
JEN expects manuscript introductions to clearly establish the scientific context, summarize the relevant literature, and articulate the rationale for the study. Introductions should culminate in a clearly stated purpose, research question, or hypothesis when applicable. Authors should ensure that background material directly supports the study objectives and contributes meaningfully to the reader’s understanding of the research problem.

Methods
The manuscript must include a comprehensive Methods section that clearly describes all procedures, measurement tools, and statistical analyses used in the study. When applicable, authors should cite evidence supporting the validity and reliability of all measurement instruments and protocols.

Results
Provide a clear and organized overview of the results, ensuring that all relevant tables and figures are included in this section and placed appropriately within the manuscript. Report data as Means ± Standard Deviation (SD) or Standard Error of the Mean (SEM), as appropriate. When reporting p-values, provide exact values (e.g., p = 0.033) rather than threshold values such as p < 0.05. Authors are also required to report effect size estimates to support the interpretation of statistical findings or 95% confidence intervals.

Discussion
Explain the main findings of the study and how the results can be applied. Support main findings with citations as needed. Avoid exhaustive conclusions that do not add to the literature or support the results.

Manuscript Type

JEN publishes multiple manuscript formats to support rigorous basic, translational, and applied research in exercise science, nutrition, metabolism, performance, and clinical practice. All submissions must demonstrate methodological transparency, appropriate statistical reporting, and clear practical or clinical relevance. Commentaries and editorials are invited only.

Original Research

Original Research articles present comprehensive, novel investigations advancing the science of exercise, nutrition, metabolism, and performance.

Submissions should:

• Abstract should include data, statistics, and be 250 words or less
• Clearly articulate study rationale and hypotheses
• Provide detailed methodological transparency
• Include robust statistical analyses with effect sizes and confidence intervals when appropriate
• Discuss both statistical and practical significance
• Situate findings within the broader scientific literature

There are no strict word or table/figure limits; however, clarity, precision, and relevance are expected. Studies may include randomized trials, longitudinal interventions, mechanistic laboratory research, applied performance studies, clinical investigations, or translational research.

Direct Original Research

Direct Original Research manuscripts present novel empirical findings in a concise, high-impact format. These submissions are designed to communicate focused investigations with clear methodology and applied implications.

• Abstract: ≤ 200 words
• 1,000–2,000 words (excluding abstract and references)
• Maximum of three tables and/or figures
• Brief introduction (1–2 focused paragraphs)
• Clearly described methods with sufficient detail for replication
• Results supported with appropriate statistical analyses and effect sizes
• Discussion emphasizing interpretation, practical application, and alignment with current literature
• Recommended ≤ 20 references

This format is ideal for tightly controlled studies, pilot investigations, secondary analyses, or targeted mechanistic findings.

Case Studies

Case Studies provide detailed examination of individual or small-cohort (typically N = 1–2) observations that offer novel methodological, clinical, or performance insights relevant to exercise and nutrition science.

Submissions should:

• Clearly describe participant characteristics and context
• Detail intervention protocols or observational frameworks
• Provide objective data supporting findings
• Emphasize applied implications and translational value

Case reports must provide meaningful insight beyond descriptive observation and demonstrate broader relevance to the field.

Brief Reviews

Brief Reviews synthesize recent research in a focused area relevant to exercise and nutritional science. These manuscripts compare, contrast, and critically evaluate current evidence while identifying gaps and practical implications.

• ≤ 2,500 words
• Maximum of five tables and/or figures
• Emphasis on recent literature
• Clear summary of applied or clinical implications

Brief Reviews should be analytical rather than purely descriptive and are encouraged to provide practical recommendations for researchers and practitioners.

Systematic Reviews

Systematic Reviews provide comprehensive and structured evaluations of existing literature addressing clearly defined research questions.

Submissions must:

• State a predefined research question or objective
• Describe search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and screening procedures
• Follow established reporting standards (e.g., PRISMA when applicable)
• Assess study quality or risk of bias
• Provide clear interpretation and implications

Systematic Reviews should emphasize transparency, reproducibility, and methodological rigor.

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses quantitatively synthesize findings from multiple studies to estimate pooled effects and evaluate consistency across research.

Submissions must include:

• Clearly defined inclusion criteria
• Transparent search methodology
• Effect size calculations
• Assessment of heterogeneity
• Publication bias evaluation when appropriate
• Sensitivity or subgroup analyses if applicable

Meta-Analyses should provide both statistical interpretation and practical implications for exercise and nutrition practice.

Technical Reports

Technical Reports describe applied methodologies, monitoring strategies, or intervention models implemented in real-world environments such as sport teams, clinics, or community settings.

These manuscripts should:

• Clearly outline applied methods or conceptual frameworks
• Provide objective data supporting reported outcomes
• Discuss practical challenges and implementation considerations
• Highlight lessons learned and future directions

While advanced statistical analyses are encouraged when feasible, Technical Reports may focus on translational implementation rather than tightly controlled laboratory design. These submissions are particularly relevant for strength coaches, sport dietitians, clinicians, and performance practitioners.

Reporting Information

Units of Measurement
All units of measurement must be reported using the International System of Unit (SI) unless a traditional system of measurement is more appropriate to enhance the reader's understanding. For example, if reporting distance for American football, use yards/miles to report distance.

Tables and Figures
Authors retain full discretion in determining how best to present their data through tables, figures, and graphical elements. Visual materials should be selected and designed to communicate findings clearly, accurately, and effectively. When used, tables and figures should enhance interpretation of results rather than duplicate information presented in the text. All visual elements must be of publication quality and appropriately labeled to ensure clarity for readers.

Acknowledgements
Authors can acknowledge any notable persons or agencies that made the study possible that are not authors of the study after the conclusion section within the manuscript. If grant funded, please provide the grant awarding organization and the grant number in this section.

Conflict of Interest

Be sure to acknowledge if any financial benefits were provided to you or any authors of the study. If you have no conflict of interest please state, “No conflict of interest.”

References

Manuscripts must follow the citation style in medical journals created by the American Medical Association (AMA or JAMA) 11th edition format. The JAMA citation style is available in EndNote. Authors should avoid adding excessive citations that do not enhance the manuscript.

Author Declaration Regarding AI Use

When submitting a manuscript, the authors affirm that any use of artificial intelligence tools complied with the journal’s AI policy and that the authors accept full responsibility for the content of the manuscript.