Submissions open for the MTF Case Report Contest

Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Massage Therapy Foundation Case Report Contest invites massage therapy students and practitioners (18+) to submit an original quantitative case report based on at least five sessions with a single client. Awards range from $1,500 to $2,500, contingent upon successful peer review in a scholarly journal. Submissions are due June 1, with award decisions announced within 120 days.

What Is the Massage Therapy Foundation Case Report Contest?

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) Case Report Contest is a professional development and research initiative designed to strengthen evidence-based massage therapy practice.

Participants submit a publishable clinical case report written in academic research format. The goal is to:

• Advance evidence-informed massage therapy

• Promote practitioner-led clinical research

• Improve research literacy in the profession

• Encourage publication in peer-reviewed journals

This opportunity supports the integration of clinical expertise with scientific methodology.

Why This Contest Matters

1. Strengthens Evidence-Based Practice

Massage therapy relies on clinical documentation to validate outcomes. Case reports:

• Provide measurable data

• Document treatment effectiveness

• Expand the research base of the profession

2. Builds Research and Writing Skills

Participants gain experience in:

• Quantitative outcome measurement

• Literature review methodology

• Academic writing

• Peer-review processes

3. Increases Professional Recognition

Award recipients may:

• Present at national conventions

• Submit professional posters

• Receive press coverage

• Publish in scholarly journals

This enhances credibility and career development.

Award Structure and Funding

Funding is contingent upon successful progression through peer review at an appropriate scholarly journal.

• Gold Award: $2,500

• Silver Award: $2,000

• Bronze Award: $1,500

Winners have one calendar year to complete the peer-review requirement tied to funding eligibility.

Awards are announced within 120 days after the submission deadline.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Age 18 or older

• Massage therapy student or practicing professional

• Completed a massage therapy program (U.S. or international)

• Submit original, unpublished work

• Meet formatting and structural guidelines

Previously published case reports are not eligible.

What Is a Quantitative Case Report?

A quantitative case report documents clinical outcomes using measurable data from a single client.

It includes:

• Baseline assessment

• Defined treatment plan

• Objective outcome measures

• Data collected across sessions

• Literature-supported clinical reasoning

Required Clinical Criteria

• One client only

• Minimum five massage therapy sessions

• Massage therapy ideally the only new intervention introduced

• Clear attribution of outcomes to the intervention

The purpose is to isolate the therapeutic effect and demonstrate measurable change.

Required Case Report Structure

Submissions must follow a strict academic format.

1. Cover Page

2. Acknowledgements

3. Structured Abstract (Maximum 300 words)

Must summarize:

• Background

• Objective

• Methods

• Results

• Conclusion

4. Keywords

Use Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terminology.

5. Introduction

Must include:

• Scientific relevance

• Literature review

• Clear research objective or clinical question

6. Methods

Provide enough detail for replication:

• Client demographics (de-identified)

• Intervention protocol

• Session frequency

• Outcome measures

• Data collection methods

7. Results

• Present data only

• No interpretation

• Use tables/figures within the text

• Reflect only predefined outcomes

8. Discussion

• Interpret results cautiously

• Connect outcomes to client goals

• Compare with existing literature

• Acknowledge limitations

• Emphasize single-client scope

9. References

Format using American Medical Association (AMA) style.

Formatting Requirements

• Language: English

• File type: PDF

• Word count: 2,000–4,000 words (excluding cover page and references)

• Maximum length: 20 pages total

• Tables/figures: Embedded within text

• Strict client confidentiality required

No identifying client information is permitted.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Select a Suitable Client Case

Choose a client with:

• Clear measurable goals

• Willingness to participate

• At least five-session treatment plan

Step 2: Collect Baseline Data

Document:

• Pain scores

• Functional limitations

• Range of motion

• Other validated measurement tools

Step 3: Conduct the Intervention

• Maintain consistent treatment protocol

• Record session outcomes

• Avoid introducing additional new therapies

Step 4: Perform Literature Review

Search peer-reviewed databases for:

• Similar interventions

• Evidence supporting treatment approach

• Relevant outcome measurement tools

Step 5: Write the Manuscript

Follow required structure exactly.

Step 6: Format According to AMA Guidelines

Ensure:

• Proper citation formatting

• Professional academic tone

• Compliance with word and page limits

Step 7: Submit Online

Submit via the official Massage Therapy Foundation portal by June 1.

Step 8: Await Evaluation

Independent judges review submissions. Awards are announced within 120 days.

How Submissions Are Evaluated

Judges assess:

• Scientific relevance

• Methodological clarity

• Data quality

• Writing clarity

• Ethical compliance

• Adherence to guidelines

Selected reports may be invited for journal peer review.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including client-identifying information

• Interpreting data in the Results section

• Inadequate literature review

• Using multiple new interventions

• Exceeding word/page limits

• Incorrect AMA formatting

• Submitting previously published material

Expert Tips for a Strong Submission

• Use validated quantitative outcome measures

• Maintain consistent intervention protocols

• Keep conclusions conservative

• Clearly separate Results from Discussion

• Transparently acknowledge study limitations

• Proofread for academic clarity and precision

Timeline Overview

• Submission deadline: June 1

• Award notification: Within 120 days

• Peer-review completion (winners): Within one year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I submit more than one case report?

The guidelines focus on single-client reports. Confirm submission limits via the official portal.

2. Can qualitative observations be included?

The report must be quantitative. Qualitative insights may support discussion but cannot replace measurable data.

3. Can massage therapy be combined with other treatments?

Massage therapy should ideally be the only new intervention introduced to allow clear attribution of outcomes.

4. Are students eligible?

Yes. Students aged 18 or older who completed a massage therapy program are eligible.

5. What happens after winning?

Winners must successfully progress through peer review in a scholarly journal within one calendar year to receive funding.

6. What citation style is required?

American Medical Association (AMA) citation style.

7. Can previously submitted academic papers be used?

No. Submissions must be original and unpublished.

Conclusion

The Massage Therapy Foundation Case Report Contest is a structured pathway for massage therapy professionals and students to contribute to evidence-based practice, develop research skills, and potentially publish in peer-reviewed journals. With awards up to $2,500 and national recognition opportunities, this contest supports the advancement of clinical research within the massage therapy profession.

If you meet eligibility criteria and can document measurable outcomes from a single-client intervention, submitting a well-structured quantitative case report by June 1 can position you for both professional growth and financial recognition.

For more information, visit MTF.