Research Misconduct Policy

IPMM examines credible concerns about fabrication, falsification, inappropriate image manipulation, plagiarism, citation or peer-review manipulation, unethical research and other conduct that may compromise a submission or publication. An allegation is not itself a finding of misconduct.

Reporting and initial assessment

Send the manuscript or article details and supporting evidence to editor@invasivephysiotherapy.com. The Editor-in-Chief, or an uninvolved editor if there is a conflict, records the allegation and assesses the available evidence. Information is shared only with people who need it for the inquiry, while respecting the rights of complainant and respondent.

Investigation

The journal may request explanations, original data or images, approvals, protocols and review records. Affected parties have an opportunity to respond. An uninvolved editor or independent adviser handles conflicts. When an institution is best placed to investigate research conduct, IPMM may refer the concern and request findings, while retaining responsibility for its editorial record.

Editorial measures

IPMM may pause a manuscript during assessment. Depending on the evidence and stage, outcomes may include no action, clarification, revision, rejection, correction, expression of concern or retraction. Reasoned decisions are communicated to relevant parties; institutions, funders or other journals may be notified where warranted. Any sanction affecting future submissions is proportionate and documented.

Published record

The Version of Record is not silently altered. Notices are clearly identified and linked permanently to the article under the Corrections, Retractions and Withdrawals Policy. Serious legal, privacy or safety concerns may require exceptional access restrictions.