A research team from five universities, including UNLV's Dustin W. Davis (Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences), has published “Editorial Policies on Artificial Intelligence in Sport Science: Balancing Innovation and Ethical Standards” in Kinesiology Review (Impact Factor: 1.7). The study examined how sport-science journals are adapting to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and publishing, and it reunited Davis with two members of his master's thesis committee, Matthew J. Garver from the University of Central Missouri and Whitley J. Stone from Western Kentucky University.
Analyzing 124 journals, the researchers found that 78% had AI policies, with likelihood linked to journal ranking. Policy reviews revealed shared priorities: transparency and ethical disclosure, human accountability, ethical boundaries, and adaptability.
The authors recommend practical steps to help editors and researchers integrate AI responsibly, guidance of growing importance for the field and for journals like the International Journal of Exercise Science, where Davis serves as executive editor. As one of the earliest analyses of AI policy trends in sport-science publishing, this work provides a blueprint for balancing innovation with ethical standards.
