The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (SJRM) supports the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and scholarly writing. This policy is based on the principles of COPE and is intended to protect research integrity, author accountability, confidentiality, and the reliability of published work.

Authorship and Responsibility

AI tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models or AI-based systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. The human authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, scientific quality, references, analyses, and final content of the manuscript. The use of AI does not reduce or transfer this responsibility.

Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI tools for purposes such as language editing, improving readability, supporting coding, assisting with data analysis, or other research-related activities, provided that all AI-generated or AI-assisted content is carefully reviewed and verified by the authors. AI should not replace the scientific judgment, critical thinking, or intellectual contribution of the authors.

Disclosure of AI Use

If AI has been used in a meaningful way during manuscript preparation, data analysis, image processing, generation of scientific content, or other stages of the research, authors should disclose this use clearly. The disclosure should preferably include the name of the AI tool and the purpose for which it was used. For example:

“[Name of AI tool] was used for [specific purpose] during the preparation of this manuscript. The authors reviewed and edited all AI-assisted output and take full responsibility for the final content.”

If AI was used as part of the research methodology, describe its use in the Materials and Methods section.

Accuracy of Information and References

AI-generated output may contain inaccurate information or fabricated references. Authors must therefore independently verify all facts, data, citations, and references suggested or generated by AI tools. References that have not been verified for accuracy and existence must not be included in the manuscript.

Images, Data, and Research Results

AI must not be used to fabricate, falsify, or misleadingly manipulate data, images, clinical findings, or research results. If AI is legitimately used as part of the research method, for example in medical image analysis, machine learning, modeling, or data analysis, the method should be described clearly and transparently in the manuscript.

Confidentiality and Patient Information

Confidential information, identifiable patient data, clinical records, and unpublished research data should not be entered into publicly accessible AI systems unless appropriate ethical, privacy, and data-protection safeguards are in place. Protecting patient confidentiality and research data is mandatory at all times.

Use of AI in Peer Review

Manuscripts submitted to the journal are confidential. Reviewers should not upload manuscripts or confidential manuscript information into publicly accessible AI systems unless the confidentiality and security of the data can be fully guaranteed.

AI must not replace the reviewer’s independent scientific assessment and professional judgment.

Use of AI by Editors

Editors and editorial staff are also responsible for protecting the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts. AI tools may be used to support certain technical or administrative tasks, but final decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, revision, or publication-ethics matters must always involve appropriate human oversight and editorial judgment.

Inappropriate Use of AI

Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI, fabrication of references, manipulation of data, breach of confidentiality, or any other misleading use of AI may be considered a publication-ethics concern. Such cases will be handled in accordance with the journal’s policies and relevant COPE guidance.

Policy Updates

Because AI technologies are developing rapidly, this policy may be updated periodically in line with new recommendations from COPE and other recognized organizations in research and publication ethics.