important functions of literature review

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Literature Reviews

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What is a Literature Review?

A literature or narrative review is a comprehensive review and analysis of the published literature on a specific topic or research question. The literature that is reviewed contains: books, articles, academic articles, conference proceedings, association papers, and dissertations. It contains the most pertinent studies and points to important past and current research and practices. It provides background and context, and shows how your research will contribute to the field. 

A literature review should: 

• Provide a comprehensive and updated review of the literature;
• Explain why this review has taken place;
• Articulate a position or hypothesis;
• Acknowledge and account for conflicting and corroborating points of view

From  S age Research Methods

Purpose of a Literature Review

A literature review can be written as an introduction to a study to:

• Demonstrate how a study fills a gap in research
• Compare a study with other research that's been done

Or it can be a separate work (a research article on its own) which:

• Organizes or describes a topic
• Describes variables within a particular issue/problem

Limitations of a Literature Review

Some of the limitations of a literature review are:

• It's a snapshot in time. Unlike other reviews, this one has beginning, a middle and an end. There may be future developments that could make your work less relevant.
• It may be too focused. Some niche studies may miss the bigger picture.
• It can be difficult to be comprehensive. There is no way to make sure all the literature on a topic was considered.
• It is easy to be biased if you stick to top tier journals. There may be other places where people are publishing exemplary research. Look to open access publications and conferences to reflect a more inclusive collection. Also, make sure to include opposing views (and not just supporting evidence).

Source: Grant, Maria J., and Andrew Booth. “A Typology of Reviews: An Analysis of 14 Review Types and Associated Methodologies.” Health Information & Libraries Journal, vol. 26, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 91–108. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x.

Meryl Brodsky : Communication and Information Studies

Hannah Chapman Tripp : Biology, Neuroscience

Carolyn Cunningham : Human Development & Family Sciences, Psychology, Sociology

Larayne Dallas : Engineering

Janelle Hedstrom : Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Ed Leadership & Policy ​

Susan Macicak : Linguistics

Imelda Vetter : Dell Medical School

For help in other subject areas, please see the guide to library specialists by subject .

Periodically, UT Libraries runs a workshop covering the basics and library support for literature reviews. While we try to offer these once per academic year, we find providing the recording to be helpful to community members who have missed the session. Following is the most recent recording of the workshop, Conducting a Literature Review. To view the recording, a UT login is required.

• October 26, 2022 recording
• Last Updated: Oct 26, 2022 2:49 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.utexas.edu/literaturereviews

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• Writing Tips

What is the Purpose of a Literature Review?

4-minute read

• 23rd October 2023

If you’re writing a research paper or dissertation , then you’ll most likely need to include a comprehensive literature review . In this post, we’ll review the purpose of literature reviews, why they are so significant, and the specific elements to include in one. Literature reviews can:

1. Provide a foundation for current research.

2. Define key concepts and theories.

3. Demonstrate critical evaluation.

4. Show how research and methodologies have evolved.

5. Identify gaps in existing research.

6. Support your argument.

Keep reading to enter the exciting world of literature reviews!

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a critical summary and evaluation of the existing research (e.g., academic journal articles and books) on a specific topic. It is typically included as a separate section or chapter of a research paper or dissertation, serving as a contextual framework for a study. Literature reviews can vary in length depending on the subject and nature of the study, with most being about equal length to other sections or chapters included in the paper. Essentially, the literature review highlights previous studies in the context of your research and summarizes your insights in a structured, organized format. Next, let’s look at the overall purpose of a literature review.

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Literature reviews are considered an integral part of research across most academic subjects and fields. The primary purpose of a literature review in your study is to:

Provide a Foundation for Current Research

Since the literature review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the existing research, it serves as a solid foundation for your current study. It’s a way to contextualize your work and show how your research fits into the broader landscape of your specific area of study.  

Define Key Concepts and Theories

The literature review highlights the central theories and concepts that have arisen from previous research on your chosen topic. It gives your readers a more thorough understanding of the background of your study and why your research is particularly significant .

Demonstrate Critical Evaluation 

A comprehensive literature review shows your ability to critically analyze and evaluate a broad range of source material. And since you’re considering and acknowledging the contribution of key scholars alongside your own, it establishes your own credibility and knowledge.

Show How Research and Methodologies Have Evolved

Another purpose of literature reviews is to provide a historical perspective and demonstrate how research and methodologies have changed over time, especially as data collection methods and technology have advanced. And studying past methodologies allows you, as the researcher, to understand what did and did not work and apply that knowledge to your own research.  

Identify Gaps in Existing Research

Besides discussing current research and methodologies, the literature review should also address areas that are lacking in the existing literature. This helps further demonstrate the relevance of your own research by explaining why your study is necessary to fill the gaps.

Support Your Argument

A good literature review should provide evidence that supports your research questions and hypothesis. For example, your study may show that your research supports existing theories or builds on them in some way. Referencing previous related studies shows your work is grounded in established research and will ultimately be a contribution to the field.  

Literature Review Editing Services 

Ensure your literature review is polished and ready for submission by having it professionally proofread and edited by our expert team. Our literature review editing services will help your research stand out and make an impact. Not convinced yet? Send in your free sample today and see for yourself! 

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Literature reviews: functions, types and methods

Related media.

When we think of a literature review, we often forget to consider the different types of reviews and the different roles or functions that literature reviews can have.

In this short presentation I will first discuss some functions of literature reviews, and then make some points about how the function or purpose of your review should inform the type that you choose to do, and the methods that you employ.

What Is A Literature Review?

A plain-language explainer (with examples).

By:  Derek Jansen (MBA) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | June 2020 (Updated May 2023)

If you’re faced with writing a dissertation or thesis, chances are you’ve encountered the term “literature review” . If you’re on this page, you’re probably not 100% what the literature review is all about. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place.

Literature Review 101

• What (exactly) is a literature review
• What’s the purpose of the literature review chapter
• How to find high-quality resources
• How to structure your literature review chapter
• Example of an actual literature review

What is a literature review?

The word “literature review” can refer to two related things that are part of the broader literature review process. The first is the task of  reviewing the literature  – i.e. sourcing and reading through the existing research relating to your research topic. The second is the  actual chapter  that you write up in your dissertation, thesis or research project. Let’s look at each of them:

Reviewing the literature

The first step of any literature review is to hunt down and  read through the existing research  that’s relevant to your research topic. To do this, you’ll use a combination of tools (we’ll discuss some of these later) to find journal articles, books, ebooks, research reports, dissertations, theses and any other credible sources of information that relate to your topic. You’ll then  summarise and catalogue these  for easy reference when you write up your literature review chapter. 

The literature review chapter

The second step of the literature review is to write the actual literature review chapter (this is usually the second chapter in a typical dissertation or thesis structure ). At the simplest level, the literature review chapter is an  overview of the key literature  that’s relevant to your research topic. This chapter should provide a smooth-flowing discussion of what research has already been done, what is known, what is unknown and what is contested in relation to your research topic. So, you can think of it as an  integrated review of the state of knowledge  around your research topic. 

What’s the purpose of a literature review?

The literature review chapter has a few important functions within your dissertation, thesis or research project. Let’s take a look at these:

Purpose #1 – Demonstrate your topic knowledge

The first function of the literature review chapter is, quite simply, to show the reader (or marker) that you  know what you’re talking about . In other words, a good literature review chapter demonstrates that you’ve read the relevant existing research and understand what’s going on – who’s said what, what’s agreed upon, disagreed upon and so on. This needs to be  more than just a summary  of who said what – it needs to integrate the existing research to  show how it all fits together  and what’s missing (which leads us to purpose #2, next). 

Purpose #2 – Reveal the research gap that you’ll fill

The second function of the literature review chapter is to  show what’s currently missing  from the existing research, to lay the foundation for your own research topic. In other words, your literature review chapter needs to show that there are currently “missing pieces” in terms of the bigger puzzle, and that  your study will fill one of those research gaps . By doing this, you are showing that your research topic is original and will help contribute to the body of knowledge. In other words, the literature review helps justify your research topic.  

Purpose #3 – Lay the foundation for your conceptual framework

The third function of the literature review is to form the  basis for a conceptual framework . Not every research topic will necessarily have a conceptual framework, but if your topic does require one, it needs to be rooted in your literature review. 

For example, let’s say your research aims to identify the drivers of a certain outcome – the factors which contribute to burnout in office workers. In this case, you’d likely develop a conceptual framework which details the potential factors (e.g. long hours, excessive stress, etc), as well as the outcome (burnout). Those factors would need to emerge from the literature review chapter – they can’t just come from your gut! 

So, in this case, the literature review chapter would uncover each of the potential factors (based on previous studies about burnout), which would then be modelled into a framework. 

Purpose #4 – To inform your methodology

The fourth function of the literature review is to  inform the choice of methodology  for your own research. As we’ve  discussed on the Grad Coach blog , your choice of methodology will be heavily influenced by your research aims, objectives and questions . Given that you’ll be reviewing studies covering a topic close to yours, it makes sense that you could learn a lot from their (well-considered) methodologies.

So, when you’re reviewing the literature, you’ll need to  pay close attention to the research design , methodology and methods used in similar studies, and use these to inform your methodology. Quite often, you’ll be able to  “borrow” from previous studies . This is especially true for quantitative studies , as you can use previously tried and tested measures and scales. 

How do I find articles for my literature review?

Finding quality journal articles is essential to crafting a rock-solid literature review. As you probably already know, not all research is created equally, and so you need to make sure that your literature review is  built on credible research . 

We could write an entire post on how to find quality literature (actually, we have ), but a good starting point is Google Scholar . Google Scholar is essentially the academic equivalent of Google, using Google’s powerful search capabilities to find relevant journal articles and reports. It certainly doesn’t cover every possible resource, but it’s a very useful way to get started on your literature review journey, as it will very quickly give you a good indication of what the  most popular pieces of research  are in your field.

One downside of Google Scholar is that it’s merely a search engine – that is, it lists the articles, but oftentimes  it doesn’t host the articles . So you’ll often hit a paywall when clicking through to journal websites. 

Thankfully, your university should provide you with access to their library, so you can find the article titles using Google Scholar and then search for them by name in your university’s online library. Your university may also provide you with access to  ResearchGate , which is another great source for existing research. 

Remember, the correct search keywords will be super important to get the right information from the start. So, pay close attention to the keywords used in the journal articles you read and use those keywords to search for more articles. If you can’t find a spoon in the kitchen, you haven’t looked in the right drawer. 

Need a helping hand?

How should I structure my literature review?

Unfortunately, there’s no generic universal answer for this one. The structure of your literature review will depend largely on your topic area and your research aims and objectives.

You could potentially structure your literature review chapter according to theme, group, variables , chronologically or per concepts in your field of research. We explain the main approaches to structuring your literature review here . You can also download a copy of our free literature review template to help you establish an initial structure.

In general, it’s also a good idea to start wide (i.e. the big-picture-level) and then narrow down, ending your literature review close to your research questions . However, there’s no universal one “right way” to structure your literature review. The most important thing is not to discuss your sources one after the other like a list – as we touched on earlier, your literature review needs to synthesise the research , not summarise it .

Ultimately, you need to craft your literature review so that it conveys the most important information effectively – it needs to tell a logical story in a digestible way. It’s no use starting off with highly technical terms and then only explaining what these terms mean later. Always assume your reader is not a subject matter expert and hold their hand through a journe y of the literature while keeping the functions of the literature review chapter (which we discussed earlier) front of mind.

Example of a literature review

In the video below, we walk you through a high-quality literature review from a dissertation that earned full distinction. This will give you a clearer view of what a strong literature review looks like in practice and hopefully provide some inspiration for your own. 

Wrapping Up

In this post, we’ve (hopefully) answered the question, “ what is a literature review? “. We’ve also considered the purpose and functions of the literature review, as well as how to find literature and how to structure the literature review chapter. If you’re keen to learn more, check out the literature review section of the Grad Coach blog , as well as our detailed video post covering how to write a literature review . 

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Literature Review Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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16 Comments

Thanks for this review. It narrates what’s not been taught as tutors are always in a early to finish their classes.

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• UConn Library
• Literature Review: The What, Why and How-to Guide
• Introduction

Literature Review: The What, Why and How-to Guide — Introduction

• Getting Started
• How to Pick a Topic
• Strategies to Find Sources
• Evaluating Sources & Lit. Reviews
• Tips for Writing Literature Reviews
• Writing Literature Review: Useful Sites
• Citation Resources
• Other Academic Writings

What are Literature Reviews?

So, what is a literature review? "A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. In writing the literature review, your purpose is to convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your argumentative thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries." Taylor, D.  The literature review: A few tips on conducting it . University of Toronto Health Sciences Writing Centre.

Goals of Literature Reviews

What are the goals of creating a Literature Review?  A literature could be written to accomplish different aims:

• To develop a theory or evaluate an existing theory
• To summarize the historical or existing state of a research topic
• Identify a problem in a field of research 

Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1997). Writing narrative literature reviews .  Review of General Psychology , 1 (3), 311-320.

What kinds of sources require a Literature Review?

• A research paper assigned in a course
• A thesis or dissertation
• A grant proposal
• An article intended for publication in a journal

All these instances require you to collect what has been written about your research topic so that you can demonstrate how your own research sheds new light on the topic.

Types of Literature Reviews

What kinds of literature reviews are written?

Narrative review: The purpose of this type of review is to describe the current state of the research on a specific topic/research and to offer a critical analysis of the literature reviewed. Studies are grouped by research/theoretical categories, and themes and trends, strengths and weakness, and gaps are identified. The review ends with a conclusion section which summarizes the findings regarding the state of the research of the specific study, the gaps identify and if applicable, explains how the author's research will address gaps identify in the review and expand the knowledge on the topic reviewed.

• Example : Predictors and Outcomes of U.S. Quality Maternity Leave: A Review and Conceptual Framework:  10.1177/08948453211037398  

Systematic review : "The authors of a systematic review use a specific procedure to search the research literature, select the studies to include in their review, and critically evaluate the studies they find." (p. 139). Nelson, L. K. (2013). Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders . Plural Publishing.

• Example : The effect of leave policies on increasing fertility: a systematic review:  10.1057/s41599-022-01270-w

Meta-analysis : "Meta-analysis is a method of reviewing research findings in a quantitative fashion by transforming the data from individual studies into what is called an effect size and then pooling and analyzing this information. The basic goal in meta-analysis is to explain why different outcomes have occurred in different studies." (p. 197). Roberts, M. C., & Ilardi, S. S. (2003). Handbook of Research Methods in Clinical Psychology . Blackwell Publishing.

• Example : Employment Instability and Fertility in Europe: A Meta-Analysis:  10.1215/00703370-9164737

Meta-synthesis : "Qualitative meta-synthesis is a type of qualitative study that uses as data the findings from other qualitative studies linked by the same or related topic." (p.312). Zimmer, L. (2006). Qualitative meta-synthesis: A question of dialoguing with texts .  Journal of Advanced Nursing , 53 (3), 311-318.

• Example : Women’s perspectives on career successes and barriers: A qualitative meta-synthesis:  10.1177/05390184221113735

Literature Reviews in the Health Sciences

• UConn Health subject guide on systematic reviews Explanation of the different review types used in health sciences literature as well as tools to help you find the right review type
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Conducting a literature review: why do a literature review, why do a literature review.

• How To Find "The Literature"
• Found it -- Now What?

Besides the obvious reason for students -- because it is assigned! -- a literature review helps you explore the research that has come before you, to see how your research question has (or has not) already been addressed.

You identify:

• core research in the field
• experts in the subject area
• methodology you may want to use (or avoid)
• gaps in knowledge -- or where your research would fit in

It Also Helps You:

• Publish and share your findings
• Justify requests for grants and other funding
• Identify best practices to inform practice
• Set wider context for a program evaluation
• Compile information to support community organizing

Great brief overview, from NCSU

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• Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 1:10 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/litreview

Libraries | Research Guides

Literature reviews, what is a literature review, learning more about how to do a literature review.

• Planning the Review
• The Research Question
• Choosing Where to Search
• Organizing the Review
• Writing the Review

A literature review is a review and synthesis of existing research on a topic or research question. A literature review is meant to analyze the scholarly literature, make connections across writings and identify strengths, weaknesses, trends, and missing conversations. A literature review should address different aspects of a topic as it relates to your research question. A literature review goes beyond a description or summary of the literature you have read. 

• Sage Research Methods Core Collection This link opens in a new window SAGE Research Methods supports research at all levels by providing material to guide users through every step of the research process. SAGE Research Methods is the ultimate methods library with more than 1000 books, reference works, journal articles, and instructional videos by world-leading academics from across the social sciences, including the largest collection of qualitative methods books available online from any scholarly publisher. – Publisher

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What is a Literature Review? How to Write It (with Examples)

A literature review is a critical analysis and synthesis of existing research on a particular topic. It provides an overview of the current state of knowledge, identifies gaps, and highlights key findings in the literature. 1 The purpose of a literature review is to situate your own research within the context of existing scholarship, demonstrating your understanding of the topic and showing how your work contributes to the ongoing conversation in the field. Learning how to write a literature review is a critical tool for successful research. Your ability to summarize and synthesize prior research pertaining to a certain topic demonstrates your grasp on the topic of study, and assists in the learning process. 

Table of Contents

• What is the purpose of literature review? 
• a. Habitat Loss and Species Extinction: 
• b. Range Shifts and Phenological Changes: 
• c. Ocean Acidification and Coral Reefs: 
• d. Adaptive Strategies and Conservation Efforts: 
• How to write a good literature review 
• Choose a Topic and Define the Research Question: 
• Decide on the Scope of Your Review: 
• Select Databases for Searches: 
• Conduct Searches and Keep Track: 
• Review the Literature: 
• Organize and Write Your Literature Review: 
• Frequently asked questions 

What is a literature review?

A well-conducted literature review demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the existing literature, establishes the context for their own research, and contributes to scholarly conversations on the topic. One of the purposes of a literature review is also to help researchers avoid duplicating previous work and ensure that their research is informed by and builds upon the existing body of knowledge.

What is the purpose of literature review?

A literature review serves several important purposes within academic and research contexts. Here are some key objectives and functions of a literature review: 2  

• Contextualizing the Research Problem: The literature review provides a background and context for the research problem under investigation. It helps to situate the study within the existing body of knowledge. 
• Identifying Gaps in Knowledge: By identifying gaps, contradictions, or areas requiring further research, the researcher can shape the research question and justify the significance of the study. This is crucial for ensuring that the new research contributes something novel to the field. 
• Understanding Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks: Literature reviews help researchers gain an understanding of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks used in previous studies. This aids in the development of a theoretical framework for the current research. 
• Providing Methodological Insights: Another purpose of literature reviews is that it allows researchers to learn about the methodologies employed in previous studies. This can help in choosing appropriate research methods for the current study and avoiding pitfalls that others may have encountered. 
• Establishing Credibility: A well-conducted literature review demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with existing scholarship, establishing their credibility and expertise in the field. It also helps in building a solid foundation for the new research. 
• Informing Hypotheses or Research Questions: The literature review guides the formulation of hypotheses or research questions by highlighting relevant findings and areas of uncertainty in existing literature. 

Literature review example

Let’s delve deeper with a literature review example: Let’s say your literature review is about the impact of climate change on biodiversity. You might format your literature review into sections such as the effects of climate change on habitat loss and species extinction, phenological changes, and marine biodiversity. Each section would then summarize and analyze relevant studies in those areas, highlighting key findings and identifying gaps in the research. The review would conclude by emphasizing the need for further research on specific aspects of the relationship between climate change and biodiversity. The following literature review template provides a glimpse into the recommended literature review structure and content, demonstrating how research findings are organized around specific themes within a broader topic. 

Literature Review on Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity:

Climate change is a global phenomenon with far-reaching consequences, including significant impacts on biodiversity. This literature review synthesizes key findings from various studies: 

a. Habitat Loss and Species Extinction:

Climate change-induced alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns contribute to habitat loss, affecting numerous species (Thomas et al., 2004). The review discusses how these changes increase the risk of extinction, particularly for species with specific habitat requirements. 

b. Range Shifts and Phenological Changes:

Observations of range shifts and changes in the timing of biological events (phenology) are documented in response to changing climatic conditions (Parmesan & Yohe, 2003). These shifts affect ecosystems and may lead to mismatches between species and their resources. 

c. Ocean Acidification and Coral Reefs:

The review explores the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, emphasizing ocean acidification’s threat to coral reefs (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007). Changes in pH levels negatively affect coral calcification, disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. 

d. Adaptive Strategies and Conservation Efforts:

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the literature review discusses various adaptive strategies adopted by species and conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on biodiversity (Hannah et al., 2007). It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches for effective conservation planning. 

How to write a good literature review

Writing a literature review involves summarizing and synthesizing existing research on a particular topic. A good literature review format should include the following elements. 

Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your literature review, providing context and introducing the main focus of your review. 

• Opening Statement: Begin with a general statement about the broader topic and its significance in the field. 
• Scope and Purpose: Clearly define the scope of your literature review. Explain the specific research question or objective you aim to address. 
• Organizational Framework: Briefly outline the structure of your literature review, indicating how you will categorize and discuss the existing research. 
• Significance of the Study: Highlight why your literature review is important and how it contributes to the understanding of the chosen topic. 
• Thesis Statement: Conclude the introduction with a concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or perspective you will develop in the body of the literature review. 

Body: The body of the literature review is where you provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, grouping studies based on themes, methodologies, or other relevant criteria. 

• Organize by Theme or Concept: Group studies that share common themes, concepts, or methodologies. Discuss each theme or concept in detail, summarizing key findings and identifying gaps or areas of disagreement. 
• Critical Analysis: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each study. Discuss the methodologies used, the quality of evidence, and the overall contribution of each work to the understanding of the topic. 
• Synthesis of Findings: Synthesize the information from different studies to highlight trends, patterns, or areas of consensus in the literature. 
• Identification of Gaps: Discuss any gaps or limitations in the existing research and explain how your review contributes to filling these gaps. 
• Transition between Sections: Provide smooth transitions between different themes or concepts to maintain the flow of your literature review. 

Conclusion: The conclusion of your literature review should summarize the main findings, highlight the contributions of the review, and suggest avenues for future research. 

• Summary of Key Findings: Recap the main findings from the literature and restate how they contribute to your research question or objective. 
• Contributions to the Field: Discuss the overall contribution of your literature review to the existing knowledge in the field. 
• Implications and Applications: Explore the practical implications of the findings and suggest how they might impact future research or practice. 
• Recommendations for Future Research: Identify areas that require further investigation and propose potential directions for future research in the field. 
• Final Thoughts: Conclude with a final reflection on the importance of your literature review and its relevance to the broader academic community. 

Conducting a literature review

Conducting a literature review is an essential step in research that involves reviewing and analyzing existing literature on a specific topic. It’s important to know how to do a literature review effectively, so here are the steps to follow: 1  

Choose a Topic and Define the Research Question:

• Select a topic that is relevant to your field of study. 
• Clearly define your research question or objective. Determine what specific aspect of the topic do you want to explore? 

Decide on the Scope of Your Review:

• Determine the timeframe for your literature review. Are you focusing on recent developments, or do you want a historical overview? 
• Consider the geographical scope. Is your review global, or are you focusing on a specific region? 
• Define the inclusion and exclusion criteria. What types of sources will you include? Are there specific types of studies or publications you will exclude? 

Select Databases for Searches:

• Identify relevant databases for your field. Examples include PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. 
• Consider searching in library catalogs, institutional repositories, and specialized databases related to your topic. 

Conduct Searches and Keep Track:

• Develop a systematic search strategy using keywords, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), and other search techniques. 
• Record and document your search strategy for transparency and replicability. 
• Keep track of the articles, including publication details, abstracts, and links. Use citation management tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to organize your references. 

Review the Literature:

• Evaluate the relevance and quality of each source. Consider the methodology, sample size, and results of studies. 
• Organize the literature by themes or key concepts. Identify patterns, trends, and gaps in the existing research. 
• Summarize key findings and arguments from each source. Compare and contrast different perspectives. 
• Identify areas where there is a consensus in the literature and where there are conflicting opinions. 
• Provide critical analysis and synthesis of the literature. What are the strengths and weaknesses of existing research? 

Organize and Write Your Literature Review:

• Literature review outline should be based on themes, chronological order, or methodological approaches. 
• Write a clear and coherent narrative that synthesizes the information gathered. 
• Use proper citations for each source and ensure consistency in your citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). 
• Conclude your literature review by summarizing key findings, identifying gaps, and suggesting areas for future research. 

The literature review sample and detailed advice on writing and conducting a review will help you produce a well-structured report. But remember that a literature review is an ongoing process, and it may be necessary to revisit and update it as your research progresses. 

Frequently asked questions

A literature review is a critical and comprehensive analysis of existing literature (published and unpublished works) on a specific topic or research question and provides a synthesis of the current state of knowledge in a particular field. A well-conducted literature review is crucial for researchers to build upon existing knowledge, avoid duplication of efforts, and contribute to the advancement of their field. It also helps researchers situate their work within a broader context and facilitates the development of a sound theoretical and conceptual framework for their studies.

Literature review is a crucial component of research writing, providing a solid background for a research paper’s investigation. The aim is to keep professionals up to date by providing an understanding of ongoing developments within a specific field, including research methods, and experimental techniques used in that field, and present that knowledge in the form of a written report. Also, the depth and breadth of the literature review emphasizes the credibility of the scholar in his or her field.  

Before writing a literature review, it’s essential to undertake several preparatory steps to ensure that your review is well-researched, organized, and focused. This includes choosing a topic of general interest to you and doing exploratory research on that topic, writing an annotated bibliography, and noting major points, especially those that relate to the position you have taken on the topic. 

Literature reviews and academic research papers are essential components of scholarly work but serve different purposes within the academic realm. 3 A literature review aims to provide a foundation for understanding the current state of research on a particular topic, identify gaps or controversies, and lay the groundwork for future research. Therefore, it draws heavily from existing academic sources, including books, journal articles, and other scholarly publications. In contrast, an academic research paper aims to present new knowledge, contribute to the academic discourse, and advance the understanding of a specific research question. Therefore, it involves a mix of existing literature (in the introduction and literature review sections) and original data or findings obtained through research methods. 

Literature reviews are essential components of academic and research papers, and various strategies can be employed to conduct them effectively. If you want to know how to write a literature review for a research paper, here are four common approaches that are often used by researchers.  Chronological Review: This strategy involves organizing the literature based on the chronological order of publication. It helps to trace the development of a topic over time, showing how ideas, theories, and research have evolved.  Thematic Review: Thematic reviews focus on identifying and analyzing themes or topics that cut across different studies. Instead of organizing the literature chronologically, it is grouped by key themes or concepts, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of the topic.  Methodological Review: This strategy involves organizing the literature based on the research methods employed in different studies. It helps to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies and allows the reader to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research findings.  Theoretical Review: A theoretical review examines the literature based on the theoretical frameworks used in different studies. This approach helps to identify the key theories that have been applied to the topic and assess their contributions to the understanding of the subject.  It’s important to note that these strategies are not mutually exclusive, and a literature review may combine elements of more than one approach. The choice of strategy depends on the research question, the nature of the literature available, and the goals of the review. Additionally, other strategies, such as integrative reviews or systematic reviews, may be employed depending on the specific requirements of the research.

The literature review format can vary depending on the specific publication guidelines. However, there are some common elements and structures that are often followed. Here is a general guideline for the format of a literature review:  Introduction:   Provide an overview of the topic.  Define the scope and purpose of the literature review.  State the research question or objective.  Body:   Organize the literature by themes, concepts, or chronology.  Critically analyze and evaluate each source.  Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the studies.  Highlight any methodological limitations or biases.  Identify patterns, connections, or contradictions in the existing research.  Conclusion:   Summarize the key points discussed in the literature review.  Highlight the research gap.  Address the research question or objective stated in the introduction.  Highlight the contributions of the review and suggest directions for future research.

Both annotated bibliographies and literature reviews involve the examination of scholarly sources. While annotated bibliographies focus on individual sources with brief annotations, literature reviews provide a more in-depth, integrated, and comprehensive analysis of existing literature on a specific topic. The key differences are as follows: 

References 

• Denney, A. S., & Tewksbury, R. (2013). How to write a literature review.  Journal of criminal justice education ,  24 (2), 218-234. 
• Pan, M. L. (2016).  Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative approaches . Taylor & Francis. 
• Cantero, C. (2019). How to write a literature review.  San José State University Writing Center . 

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Library Guide to Capstone Literature Reviews: Role of the Literature Review

The role of the literature review.

Your literature review gives readers an understanding of the scholarly research on your topic.

In your literature review you will:

• demonstrate that you are a well-informed scholar with expertise and knowledge in the field by giving an overview of the current state of the literature
• find a gap in the literature, or address a business or professional issue, depending on your doctoral study program; the literature review will illustrate how your research contributes to the scholarly conversation
• provide a synthesis of the issues, trends, and concepts surrounding your research

Be aware that the literature review is an iterative process. As you read and write initial drafts, you will find new threads and complementary themes, at which point you will return to search, find out about these new themes, and incorporate them into your review.

The purpose of this guide is to help you through the literature review process. Take some time to look over the resources in order to become familiar with them. The tabs on the left side of this page have additional information.

Short video: Research for the Literature Review

Short Video: Research for the Literature Review

(4 min 10 sec) Recorded August 2019 Transcript 

Literature review as a dinner party

To think about the role of the literature review, consider this analogy:  pretend that you throw a dinner party for the other researchers working in your topic area. First, you’d need to develop a guest list.

• The guests of honor would be early researchers or theorists; their work likely inspired subsequent studies, ideas, or controversies that the current researchers pursue.
• Then, think about the important current researchers to invite. Which guests might agree with each other?  Which others might provide useful counterpoints?
• You likely won’t be able to include everyone on the guest list, so you may need to choose carefully so that you don’t leave important figures out. 
• Alternatively, if there aren’t many researchers working in your topic area, then your guest list will need to include people working in other, related areas, who can still contribute to the conversation.

After the party, you describe the evening to a friend. You’ll summarize the evening’s conversation. Perhaps one guest made a comment that sparked a conversation, and then you describe who responded and how the topic evolved. There are other conversations to share, too. This is how you synthesize the themes and developments that you find in your research. Thinking about your literature research this way will help you to present your dinner party (and your literature review) in a lively and engaging way.

Short video: Empirical research

Video: How to locate and identify empirical research for your literature review

(6 min 16 sec) Recorded May 2020 Transcript 

Here are some useful resources from the Writing Center, the Office of Research and Doctoral Services, and other departments within the Office of Academic Support. Take some time to look at what is available to help you with your capstone/dissertation.

• Familiarize yourself with Walden support
• Doctoral Capstone Resources website
• Capstone writing resources
• Office of Student Research Administration
• Office of Research and Doctoral Services
• Visit the Writing Center

You can watch recorded webinars on the literature review in our Library Webinar Archives .

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Literature Review in Research Writing

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Research on research? If you find this idea rather peculiar, know that nowadays, with the huge amount of information produced daily all around the world, it is becoming more and more difficult to keep up to date with all of it. In addition to the sheer amount of research, there is also its origin. We are witnessing the economic and intellectual emergence of countries like China, Brazil, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates, for example, that are producing scholarly literature in their own languages. So, apart from the effort of gathering information, there must also be translators prepared to unify all of it in a single language to be the object of the literature survey. At Elsevier, our team of translators is ready to support researchers by delivering high-quality scientific translations , in several languages, to serve their research – no matter the topic.

What is a literature review?

A literature review is a study – or, more accurately, a survey – involving scholarly material, with the aim to discuss published information about a specific topic or research question. Therefore, to write a literature review, it is compulsory that you are a real expert in the object of study. The results and findings will be published and made available to the public, namely scientists working in the same area of research.

How to Write a Literature Review

First of all, don’t forget that writing a literature review is a great responsibility. It’s a document that is expected to be highly reliable, especially concerning its sources and findings. You have to feel intellectually comfortable in the area of study and highly proficient in the target language; misconceptions and errors do not have a place in a document as important as a literature review. In fact, you might want to consider text editing services, like those offered at Elsevier, to make sure your literature is following the highest standards of text quality. You want to make sure your literature review is memorable by its novelty and quality rather than language errors.

Writing a literature review requires expertise but also organization. We cannot teach you about your topic of research, but we can provide a few steps to guide you through conducting a literature review:

• Choose your topic or research question: It should not be too comprehensive or too limited. You have to complete your task within a feasible time frame.
• Set the scope: Define boundaries concerning the number of sources, time frame to be covered, geographical area, etc.
• Decide which databases you will use for your searches: In order to search the best viable sources for your literature review, use highly regarded, comprehensive databases to get a big picture of the literature related to your topic.
• Search, search, and search: Now you’ll start to investigate the research on your topic. It’s critical that you keep track of all the sources. Start by looking at research abstracts in detail to see if their respective studies relate to or are useful for your own work. Next, search for bibliographies and references that can help you broaden your list of resources. Choose the most relevant literature and remember to keep notes of their bibliographic references to be used later on.
• Review all the literature, appraising carefully it’s content: After reading the study’s abstract, pay attention to the rest of the content of the articles you deem the “most relevant.” Identify methodologies, the most important questions they address, if they are well-designed and executed, and if they are cited enough, etc.

If it’s the first time you’ve published a literature review, note that it is important to follow a special structure. Just like in a thesis, for example, it is expected that you have an introduction – giving the general idea of the central topic and organizational pattern – a body – which contains the actual discussion of the sources – and finally the conclusion or recommendations – where you bring forward whatever you have drawn from the reviewed literature. The conclusion may even suggest there are no agreeable findings and that the discussion should be continued.

Why are literature reviews important?

Literature reviews constantly feed new research, that constantly feeds literature reviews…and we could go on and on. The fact is, one acts like a force over the other and this is what makes science, as a global discipline, constantly develop and evolve. As a scientist, writing a literature review can be very beneficial to your career, and set you apart from the expert elite in your field of interest. But it also can be an overwhelming task, so don’t hesitate in contacting Elsevier for text editing services, either for profound edition or just a last revision. We guarantee the very highest standards. You can also save time by letting us suggest and make the necessary amendments to your manuscript, so that it fits the structural pattern of a literature review. Who knows how many worldwide researchers you will impact with your next perfectly written literature review.

Know more: How to Find a Gap in Research .

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Literature Review: Purpose of a Literature Review

• Literature Review
• Purpose of a Literature Review
• Work in Progress
• Compiling & Writing
• Books, Articles, & Web Pages
• Types of Literature Reviews
• Departmental Differences
• Citation Styles & Plagiarism
• Know the Difference! Systematic Review vs. Literature Review

The purpose of a literature review is to:

• Provide a foundation of knowledge on a topic
• Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication and give credit to other researchers
• Identify inconstancies: gaps in research, conflicts in previous studies, open questions left from other research
• Identify the need for additional research (justifying your research)
• Identify the relationship of works in the context of their contribution to the topic and other works
• Place your own research within the context of existing literature, making a case for why further study is needed.

Videos & Tutorials

VIDEO: What is the role of a literature review in research? What's it mean to "review" the literature? Get the big picture of what to expect as part of the process. This video is published under a Creative Commons 3.0 BY-NC-SA US license. License, credits, and contact information can be found here: https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials/litreview/

Elements in a Literature Review

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The objective of a literature review

Questions to Consider

B. In some fields or contexts, a literature review is referred to as the introduction or the background; why is this true, and does it matter?

The elements of a literature review • The first step in scholarly research is determining the “state of the art” on a topic. This is accomplished by gathering academic research and making sense of it. • The academic literature can be found in scholarly books and journals; the goal is to discover recurring themes, find the latest data, and identify any missing pieces. • The resulting literature review organizes the research in such a way that tells a story about the topic or issue.

The literature review tells a story in which one well-paraphrased summary from a relevant source contributes to and connects with the next in a logical manner, developing and fulfilling the message of the author. It includes analysis of the arguments from the literature, as well as revealing consistent and inconsistent findings. How do varying author insights differ from or conform to previous arguments?

Language in Action

A. How are the terms “critique” and “review” used in everyday life? How are they used in an academic context?

In terms of content, a literature review is intended to:

• Set up a theoretical framework for further research • Show a clear understanding of the key concepts/studies/models related to the topic • Demonstrate knowledge about the history of the research area and any related controversies • Clarify significant definitions and terminology • Develop a space in the existing work for new research

The literature consists of the published works that document a scholarly conversation or progression on a problem or topic in a field of study. Among these are documents that explain the background and show the loose ends in the established research on which a proposed project is based. Although a literature review focuses on primary, peer -reviewed resources, it may begin with background subject information generally found in secondary and tertiary sources such as books and encyclopedias. Following that essential overview, the seminal literature of the field is explored. As a result, while a literature review may consist of research articles tightly focused on a topic with secondary and tertiary sources used more sparingly, all three types of information (primary, secondary, tertiary) are critical.

The literature review, often referred to as the Background or Introduction to a research paper that presents methods, materials, results and discussion, exists in every field and serves many functions in research writing.

Adapted from Frederiksen, L., & Phelps, S. F. (2017). Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students. Open Textbook Library

Review and Reinforce

Two common approaches are simply outlined here. Which seems more common? Which more productive? Why? A. Forward exploration 1. Sources on a topic or problem are gathered. 2. Salient themes are discovered. 3. Research gaps are considered for future research. B. Backward exploration 1. Sources pertaining to an existing research project are gathered. 2. The justification of the research project’s methods or materials are explained and supported based on previously documented research.

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The Importance of Literature Review in Academic Writing

The literature review holds paramount importance in academic writing for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a comprehensive survey of existing research, establishing a solid foundation for the author’s work. It helps identify gaps, trends, and debates in the chosen field, guiding researchers toward relevant and valuable contributions. Additionally, a well-crafted literature review demonstrates the author’s understanding of the subject, showcases critical thinking skills, and enhances the credibility of the academic work by contextualizing it within the broader scholarly conversation. Overall, the literature review is an indispensable component that enriches the depth and quality of academic writing.

What is the role of a literature review in academic writing

The literature review plays a crucial role in academic writing by serving several important functions;

• Establishing Context:  A literature review provides the context for the research by summarizing and synthesizing existing knowledge on the chosen topic. It helps readers understand the background and the current state of the subject matter.
• Identifying Gaps in Knowledge:  Through a literature review, researchers can identify gaps, controversies, or areas where more research is needed. This helps in justifying the significance of the new study and contributing to the existing body of knowledge.
• Formulating Research Questions or Hypotheses:  By reviewing existing literature, researchers can derive relevant research questions or hypotheses. This ensures that the study is informed by and contributes to the broader academic discourse.
• Building a Theoretical Framework:  A literature review helps in building the theoretical framework for a study by examining and summarizing relevant theories and concepts from previous research. It provides a conceptual foundation for the current research.
• Selecting Methodology:  Understanding how previous studies were conducted helps researchers in selecting an appropriate methodology for their own research. It also assists in avoiding potential pitfalls or methodological errors.
• Avoiding Duplication:  Researchers can identify what has already been done, preventing duplication of efforts. This helps in ensuring that the new study adds value and contributes to the existing knowledge.
• Critically Evaluating Sources:  A literature review involves a critical analysis of the quality and reliability of the sources. This ensures that the information used in the study is credible and relevant.
• Synthesizing Information:  A literature review involves synthesizing information from various sources to present a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the topic. It helps in drawing connections and patterns in the existing research.
• Providing a Historical Perspective:  It offers a historical perspective on the development of ideas and concepts within a specific field, allowing readers to trace the evolution of thought over time.
• Supporting or Challenging Arguments:  The literature review supports the author’s arguments by presenting evidence from existing research. It may also highlight conflicting findings or alternative perspectives that contribute to a balanced discussion.

In summary, the literature review is a critical component of academic writing, serving as a foundation for the research, guiding methodology, and contributing to the scholarly conversation within a particular field.

How does a literature review contribute to the overall quality of a research paper

A literature review contributes significantly to the overall quality of a research paper in several ways:

• Establishing Credibility:  By reviewing relevant and reputable sources, a literature review helps establish the credibility of the research. It shows that the author is well-informed about existing scholarship on the topic.
• Identifying Research Gaps:  The literature review identifies gaps, controversies, or unanswered questions in the current body of knowledge. This not only justifies the need for the new study but also highlights its potential contribution to the field.
• Providing Context and Background:  A literature review provides context by summarizing and synthesizing existing research. It helps readers understand the historical development, key concepts, and current state of the research topic.
• Guiding Research Questions or Hypotheses:  The literature review informs the formulation of research questions or hypotheses by revealing what is already known and what remains unknown in the field. This ensures that the study is focused and relevant.
• Building a Theoretical Framework:  It contributes to building a theoretical framework by examining and summarizing relevant theories and concepts. This theoretical foundation helps structure the research and guide the analysis.
• Selecting Appropriate Methodology:  Knowledge of how previous studies were conducted informs the choice of methodology for the new research. This ensures that the research design is well-suited to address the specific objectives of the study.
• Avoiding Duplication:  The literature review helps prevent duplication of efforts by identifying what has already been studied. This ensures that the new research contributes something novel to the existing body of knowledge.
• Providing a Critical Analysis:  A literature review involves critically evaluating the quality, reliability, and relevance of sources. This ensures that only credible and pertinent information is included in the research paper.
• Synthesizing Information:  By synthesizing information from diverse sources, a literature review presents a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of the research topic. It helps in drawing connections and identifying patterns in the existing literature.
• Supporting Arguments:  The literature review supports the author’s arguments and hypotheses by providing evidence from previous studies. It demonstrates how the current research fits into the broader scholarly conversation.

In essence, a well-executed literature review enhances the overall quality of a research paper by providing a solid foundation, guiding the research process, and ensuring that the study contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse in its respective field.

What are the key objectives of conducting a literature review in academic research

The key objectives of conducting a literature review in academic research include;

• Identifying Existing Knowledge:  To review and summarize the current state of knowledge on a particular topic or research question, understanding what is already known.
• Establishing Context:  To provide the necessary background and context for the research, helping readers understand the significance of the study.
• Identifying Gaps and Research Questions:  To identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further research is needed, which helps in formulating specific research questions or hypotheses.
• Building a Theoretical Framework:  To review and synthesize relevant theories and concepts that will form the theoretical foundation of the research.
• Guiding Methodology:  To inform the selection of appropriate research methodologies and methods based on the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies.
• Avoiding Duplication:  To ensure that the research contributes something new to the existing body of knowledge, preventing unnecessary duplication of previous studies.
• Critical Evaluation:  To critically evaluate the quality, reliability, and validity of existing literature, ensuring that only credible sources are used to support the research.
• Synthesizing Information:  To synthesize information from diverse sources, presenting a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Identifying Key Concepts and Variables:  To identify and define key concepts, variables, and terms relevant to the research study.
• Understanding Methodological Approaches:  To understand how previous studies were conducted, helping researchers learn from successes and pitfalls in methodology.
• Recognizing Trends and Patterns:  To identify trends, patterns, and recurring themes in the literature, providing insights into the broader context of the research.
• Contextualizing Findings:  To place the research findings in the context of existing knowledge, allowing for a more nuanced interpretation of results.
• Informing Literature Selection:  To guide the selection of literature relevant to the research topic, ensuring that the review is focused and comprehensive.
• Supporting or Challenging Arguments:  To provide evidence and support for the arguments or hypotheses presented in the research, or to highlight conflicting findings in the literature.
• Contributing to Theoretical Debates:  To actively contribute to theoretical debates and discussions within the academic field.
• Enhancing the Rigor of Research:  To enhance the overall rigor and validity of the research by basing it on a solid foundation of existing knowledge.

The objectives of a literature review in academic research are multi-faceted, ranging from understanding existing knowledge to guiding the research process and ensuring the credibility and significance of the study.

How does a literature review help establish the research gap in a particular field

A literature review plays a crucial role in identifying and establishing the research gap in a particular field through the following mechanisms;

• Summarizing Existing Knowledge:  The literature review provides a comprehensive summary of existing research on a given topic, allowing researchers to understand the current state of knowledge in the field.
• Identifying Patterns and Trends:  By reviewing multiple studies, a literature review helps researchers identify patterns, trends, and common themes in the existing literature. This analysis highlights areas where research has been concentrated and areas where it may be lacking.
• Highlighting Consensus and Controversies:  The literature review reveals areas where there is a consensus among researchers and areas where there are conflicting findings or ongoing debates. This can point to gaps in understanding that require further investigation.
• Pointing to Unanswered Questions:  As researchers analyze the literature, they may come across questions that have not been adequately addressed or answered by existing studies. These unanswered questions signify potential research gaps.
• Examining Methodological Limitations:  A thorough literature review involves evaluating the methodologies employed in previous studies. Identifying limitations or gaps in methodology can suggest areas where further research is needed to address these shortcomings.
• Assessing Currency of Information:  If there is a lack of recent studies on a specific aspect of a topic, it may indicate that there is a gap in recent research that needs attention.
• Considering Emerging Trends:  The literature review allows researchers to identify emerging trends or new developments in the field. These trends may open up avenues for novel research directions.
• Evaluating Geographical or Cultural Gaps:  Geographical or cultural gaps in the literature can also indicate areas where further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Analyzing Changes Over Time:  A temporal analysis of the literature can reveal how research on a particular topic has evolved. Recognizing changes and shifts in focus over time may uncover gaps in understanding that need addressing.
• Seeking Gaps in Application:  Researchers can identify gaps in the application of theoretical frameworks or interventions within practical settings. This may suggest opportunities for applied research.

By systematically examining the existing literature and critically evaluating its content, methodologies, and findings, researchers can pinpoint areas where knowledge is incomplete or where further investigation is necessary. Identifying these gaps helps shape the rationale for the new study and positions it within the broader context of the existing body of knowledge.

In what ways does a literature review assist in framing research questions and hypotheses

A literature review assists in framing research questions and hypotheses in several ways;

• Identification of Existing Knowledge:  A literature review provides an overview of existing knowledge on a particular topic, helping researchers understand what has already been studied and established in the field.
• Identification of Gaps:  By analyzing the existing literature, researchers can identify gaps, limitations, or unanswered questions. These gaps serve as a basis for formulating research questions, as they highlight areas where new knowledge is needed.
• Understanding Theoretical Foundations:  The literature review helps researchers understand the theoretical frameworks and concepts that have been used in previous studies. This understanding guides the formulation of research questions that align with established theories or challenge existing paradigms.
• Inspiration from Previous Research:  Reviewing the literature provides researchers with insights and inspiration from previous studies. It helps them identify interesting phenomena, patterns, or trends that can lead to the formulation of relevant and meaningful research questions.
• Identification of Variables:  Researchers can identify key variables, factors, or elements that have been studied in the literature. This identification informs the formulation of hypotheses and guides the operationalization of variables in the research design.
• Clarity in Focus:  A literature review helps researchers narrow down the scope of their study by clarifying the focus and defining the specific aspects of the topic that need further investigation. This clarity contributes to the formulation of precise and focused research questions.
• Understanding Methodologies:  By examining the methodologies used in previous studies, researchers gain insights into various research approaches. This understanding guides the selection of an appropriate research methodology for their own study, influencing the formulation of research questions.
• Building on Previous Findings:  Researchers may build on or extend previous findings identified in the literature. Formulating research questions in the context of existing research allows for the advancement of knowledge and contributes to the ongoing scholarly conversation.
• Alignment with Research Goals:  The literature review helps researchers align their research questions with the overarching goals and objectives of the study. This ensures that the research questions are relevant and contribute meaningfully to the field.
• Contextualizing Hypotheses:  Based on the insights gained from the literature review, researchers can formulate hypotheses that are grounded in existing theories or empirical evidence. This contextualization strengthens the rationale for the hypotheses.

A well-conducted literature review informs and guides the process of formulating research questions and hypotheses by providing a foundation of knowledge, highlighting gaps, and offering insights from previous studies. This ensures that the research questions are relevant, theoretically grounded, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Can a well-conducted literature review enhance the credibility of academic research

Yes! A well-conducted literature review is  essential  for enhancing the credibility of academic research in several ways;

1. Demonstrates Expertise:  A comprehensive review shows you have a deep understanding of the existing knowledge and relevant theory in your field. This establishes you as an authority and positions your research within the broader context.

2. Justifies Significance:  By reviewing past studies, you can clarify the gaps in research and highlight why your project addresses a crucial, unanswered question. This strengthens the purpose and originality of your work.

3. Supports Methodological Choices:  You can use past research to justify your chosen methods, data collection, and analysis strategies. This demonstrates rigor and helps readers understand how your work builds upon previous findings.

4. Identifies Limitations and Strengths:  Recognizing strengths and limitations of earlier studies allows you to position your research strategically. You can address limitations of past work or build upon their strengths, demonstrating a critical and informed approach.

5. Shows Engagement with the Field:  Engaging with other scholars' work showcases your awareness of ongoing debates and conversations in your field. This demonstrates you are actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

Beyond Credibility:

A strong literature review goes beyond just building trust. It can also:

• Spark new research ideas:  Examining diverse perspectives can trigger innovative ways to approach your research question.
• Identify potential challenges:  Awareness of previous difficulties can help you anticipate and address similar issues in your study.
• Strengthen your arguments:  Referencing relevant findings bolsters your conclusions and persuades readers of their validity.
• Thoroughness matters:  Aim for a comprehensive review, including both supportive and opposing viewpoints.
• Critical analysis is key:  Don’t just summarize; evaluate, compare, and contrast different studies to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.
• Clarity is crucial:  Organize your review logically and present it in a clear, concise, and easy-to-follow manner.

By investing time and effort in conducting a well-structured and insightful literature review, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your research and significantly enhance its credibility and potential impact.

How does the literature review process aid in identifying key theories and concepts relevant to the research topic

The literature review process plays a crucial role in identifying key theories and concepts relevant to your research topic in several ways;

1. Exposure to Existing Knowledge:  As you dive into relevant scholarly articles, books, and other sources, you’ll be exposed to the prevailing theories and concepts surrounding your topic. This initial immersion provides a broad understanding of the landscape and potential key players.

2. Identifying Recurring Themes and Ideas:  As you analyze and synthesize the collected information, you’ll start noticing recurring themes, terminologies, and arguments. These recurrent elements likely represent the key theories and concepts shaping the field.

3. Recognizing Debates and Contradictions:  A good literature review doesn’t shy away from presenting opposing viewpoints and ongoing debates. Recognizing these tensions and contradictions can highlight unresolved questions or emerging concepts, guiding your own research focus.

4. Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses of Existing Theories:  Critically analyzing past research allows you to identify the strengths and limitations of existing theories. This helps you understand which theories are robust and applicable and which areas need further exploration, potentially leading to innovative approaches.

5. Building Upon Previous Work:  The literature review allows you to see how different theories and concepts relate to each other and your research question. This knowledge helps you position your work within the existing conversation, building upon established ideas or introducing new ones.

Additional Tips

• Keyword Exploration:  Utilize relevant keywords in your search queries to discover important theories and concepts associated with your topic.
• Author Tracking:  Pay attention to frequently cited authors and influential figures in your field. Their work often reflects key theories and concepts.
• Consult Experts:  Engage with professors, researchers, or librarians specializing in your field. They can provide guidance on prominent theories and suggest relevant sources.
• Conceptual Mapping:  Visualize the relationships between concepts and theories you encounter through mind maps or diagrams. This aids in identifying key players and their connections.

What challenges might researchers face when conducting a literature review, and how can these be addressed

Conducting a robust literature review can be an enriching, yet challenging, experience for researchers. Here are some common hurdles and tips on how to overcome them:

1. Information Overload:  With the vast amount of published research available, it can be overwhelming to identify, select, and manage relevant sources.

• Develop a focused research question:  This helps refine your search terms and target specific areas within the broader field.
• Utilize advanced search techniques:  Boolean operators, filters, and keyword variations can improve the precision of your search results.
• Leverage reference management tools:  Software like Mendeley or Zotero help organize and annotate your findings efficiently.

2. Bias and Incomplete Coverage:  Your search strategy and chosen sources might unintentionally introduce bias towards particular viewpoints or neglect relevant areas.

• Consult with librarians or research experts:  They can offer guidance on diverse perspectives and alternative databases beyond the typical search engines.
• Seek out dissenting voices and alternative methodologies:  Consider including research that challenges your initial assumptions to ensure a balanced review.
• Be transparent about limitations:  Acknowledge potential biases and acknowledge areas where your review might be incomplete.

3. Difficulty Analyzing and Synthesizing Information:  Turning information into meaningful insights can be challenging, especially when dealing with conflicting studies or complex concepts.

• Develop a clear analytical framework:  This helps you categorize and evaluate studies based on specific criteria like methodology, theoretical perspectives, and findings.
• Identify key themes and arguments:  Look for recurring patterns and contrasting viewpoints across different studies.
• Use critical thinking skills:  Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and potential limitations of each study and its contribution to your understanding.

4. Time Constraints:  Conducting a thorough literature review can be time-consuming, especially for students or researchers with limited resources.

• Develop a realistic timeline:  Break down the review process into manageable steps and allocate sufficient time for each stage.
• Prioritize sources strategically:  Focus on highly relevant and impactful studies initially, then expand your search as needed.
• Seek support from peers or mentors:  Discuss your progress and challenges with others to stay motivated and receive feedback.

5. Access to Resources:  Paywalled journals and limited library access can pose a barrier for some researchers, particularly those affiliated with smaller institutions.

• Explore open access resources:  Numerous online platforms offer free access to scholarly articles and books.
• Utilize interlibrary loan services:  Libraries can often borrow materials from other institutions for you.
• Network with other researchers:  Share resources and potentially collaborate with colleagues who have access to different databases.

Conducting a well-structured and thoughtful literature review is an iterative process. Don’t be afraid to revisit your search terms, adjust your focus, and seek help when needed. By actively addressing these challenges, you can transform your literature review from a chore into a valuable tool for enriching your research project and enhancing its intellectual contribution.

How does a literature review help researchers avoid duplication of existing studies

A well-conducted literature review serves as a powerful tool for researchers to avoid duplication of existing studies in several ways;

1. Unveiling Existing Knowledge:  By diligently exploring past research, researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of what has already been explored and established in their field. This knowledge enables them to identify areas where further investigation is truly needed, preventing them from replicating what’s already known.

2. Building Upon Previous Work:  The literature review allows researchers to discover the strengths and weaknesses of past studies. This empowers them to build upon existing findings, addressing identified limitations or extending the investigation in new directions, rather than simply repeating previous efforts.

3. Identifying Gaps and Unanswered Questions:  Through critical analysis of past research, researchers can pinpoint areas where knowledge is lacking or existing conclusions remain inconclusive. This guides them towards formulating original research questions that address these gaps and contribute novel insights to the field.

4. Recognizing Methodological Approaches:  Examining methodologies employed in earlier studies helps researchers understand the effectiveness and limitations of specific methods. This knowledge allows them to adapt or design innovative approaches that avoid replicating potential flaws or inefficiencies in past studies.

5. Avoiding the “Reinventing the Wheel” Pitfall:  By immersing themselves in the existing scholarship, researchers prevent themselves from unknowingly replicating established knowledge or methodologies. This saves valuable time and resources, allowing them to focus on truly innovative and impactful research contributions.

• Utilize systematic review techniques:  These involve rigorous search strategies, selection criteria, and data analysis methods to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimize duplication.
• Consult research databases and tools:  Many platforms offer features like citation analysis and duplicate detection to help researchers identify overlapping studies.
• Engage with experts and peers:  Discussing your research topic and findings with experts or peers can help you identify areas where duplication might occur or suggest alternative directions for your study.
• Clearly define your research question:  A well-defined research question ensures your study focuses on a specific gap in knowledge, minimizing the risk of unintentional duplication.

A literature review is not just about summarizing past research; it’s about critically evaluating it and using that knowledge to guide your own original contribution to the field. By diligently conducting your review and embracing its insights, you can avoid the pitfall of duplication and ensure your research makes a distinct and valuable impact.

In what ways does a literature review contribute to the theoretical framework of a research study

A literature review plays a crucial role in shaping and solidifying the theoretical framework of your research study in several key ways;

1. Identifying Relevant Theories and Concepts:  Through your exploration of existing research, you’ll encounter prominent theories and concepts related to your topic. These serve as the building blocks for your own theoretical framework.

2. Understanding Established Explanations:  The review exposes you to diverse theoretical explanations for the phenomena you’re investigating. This knowledge helps you understand the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of existing explanations.

3. Selecting and Justifying Your Framework:  Based on your understanding of existing theories and the specific focus of your research question, you can select the most relevant theories to form your theoretical framework. The literature review then serves as justification for your choice, demonstrating why these specific theories are best suited to address your research question.

4. Building Upon or Challenging Existing Theories:  Depending on your findings, the literature review might support and contribute to established theories by providing new evidence or deeper insights. Alternatively, it might challenge existing theories by highlighting their limitations or offering alternative explanations.

5. Demonstrating Theoretical Coherence:  Your literature review should showcase how the chosen theories connect with each other and how they collectively underpin your research question and methodology. This ensures a cohesive and well-reasoned theoretical framework.

6. Highlighting Originality and Significance:  By clearly demonstrating how your theoretical framework builds upon, departs from, or refines existing theories, the literature review emphasizes the originality and potential significance of your research contribution.

• Clearly articulate your research question:  This guides your search for relevant theories and ensures your framework directly addresses your specific inquiry.
• Engage in critical analysis:  Don’t simply accept theories on face value. Evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and internal consistency through the lens of your research question.
• Consult experts and peers:  Discuss your chosen theories and their connection to your research with experts or peers for feedback and refinement.
• Maintain clear connections:  Throughout your research, demonstrate how your findings relate back to your theoretical framework, illustrating its explanatory power and validity.

How can a comprehensive literature review help researchers contextualize their findings within the existing body of knowledge

A comprehensive literature review plays a crucial role in contextualizing research findings within the existing body of knowledge by serving several key functions:

1. Setting the Stage:  The review provides a historical and theoretical background for your research topic. It establishes the current state of knowledge, key debates, and unresolved questions, creating a framework for understanding your findings.

2. Identifying Comparisons and Contrasts:  By showcasing related research and its conclusions, the review allows you to compare your findings to existing knowledge. This highlights similarities, discrepancies, and novel contributions, demonstrating the significance of your study.

3. Explaining Your Results:  You can leverage the review to explain your findings in relation to established theories and explanations. This strengthens the validity and generalizability of your conclusions by demonstrating how they fit within the larger picture.

4. Addressing Limitations and Implications:  The review helps you identify the limitations of your study and acknowledge areas where further research is needed. It also allows you to discuss the potential implications of your findings for future research and practical applications.

5. Engaging in Scholarly Conversation:  By referencing and critically analyzing previous studies, the review showcases your engagement with the existing scholarship. This positions you as a contributor to the ongoing conversation within your field.

• Maintain a Focus:  While providing context, ensure your review remains focused on your specific research question and avoids irrelevant tangents.
• Integrate Findings Seamlessly:  Weave your research findings into the review naturally, highlighting their unique contribution and connection to established knowledge.
• Acknowledge Different Perspectives:  Don’t shy away from presenting contrasting viewpoints or alternative interpretations. This demonstrates a balanced and critical approach.
• Use Clear Language and Structure:  Present your review in a way that is easy to understand and navigate for your target audience.

What role does a literature review play in identifying methodological approaches used in previous research studies

A literature review plays a crucial role in identifying methodological approaches used in previous research studies, serving as a foundation for designing your own methodology and demonstrating its significance. Here’s how;

1. Unveiling Existing Methods:  By exploring studies relevant to your topic, you’ll discover the diverse methods employed by other researchers. This expands your understanding of how different research questions can be addressed through different methodologies.

2. Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses:  The review allows you to critically analyze the effectiveness and limitations of various methods used in past studies. This helps you understand the suitability of certain approaches for your specific research question and context.

3. Informing Your Choice:  Based on your understanding of existing methods and the specific demands of your research question, you can make informed decisions about the most appropriate methodology for your study. This ensures your chosen approach aligns with both theoretical foundations and established practices.

4. Justifying Your Methodology:  The literature review becomes a tool for justifying your chosen methods. By showcasing how your approach addresses limitations of past studies or offers a unique perspective, you demonstrate the suitability and potential advantages of your methodology.

5. Avoiding Pitfalls and Inefficiencies:  Analyzing past methods helps you identify potential pitfalls or inefficiencies associated with specific approaches. This allows you to adapt existing methods or design new ones that avoid these weaknesses, leading to a more robust and efficient research process.

• Categorize Methods:  Organize your findings by grouping similar methodological approaches or research designs. This helps you compare and contrast their applicability.
• Consider Your Research Question:  Always evaluate methods through the lens of your specific research question and data needs. Don’t blindly mimic others; choose based on suitability.
• Consult Experts and Peers:  Discuss your chosen methodology and its connection to your research question with experts or peers for feedback and refinement.
• Clearly Explain Your Choices:  In your research report, clearly explain your chosen methodology, justifying it by referencing relevant past studies and highlighting its unique advantages.

How can a literature review help researchers identify potential sources of bias or limitations in existing studies

A literature review serves as a powerful tool for researchers to identify potential sources of bias and limitations in existing studies by offering several key perspectives;

1. Scrutinizing Design and Methodology:  Examining research methods and design choices allows you to pinpoint potential sources of bias. Consider factors like sample selection, data collection procedures, and control groups. Look for imbalances, subjectivity, or lack of randomization that could skew results.

2. Evaluating Data Analysis and Interpretation:  Analyze how studies handled data analysis and interpretation of findings. Look for selective reporting of data, subjective interpretations, or questionable statistical methods that might introduce bias or limit the validity of conclusions.

3. Identifying Conflicting Results and Gaps in Evidence:  Comparing and contrasting findings across different studies can reveal inconsistencies or discrepancies. These conflicting results might point towards potential biases in specific studies or highlight limitations in the overall body of evidence.

4. Considering Author Bias and Research Context:  Be aware of potential author biases related to funding sources, personal beliefs, or institutional affiliations. Examine the broader research context and prevailing discourses to identify potential biases shaping the field.

5. Consulting Quality Assessment Tools:  Leverage established tools like the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool or the PRISMA checklist to systematically assess the methodological quality of reviewed studies. These tools highlight potential weaknesses and limitations for further consideration.

• Develop a Critical Mindset:  Approach your review with a questioning attitude, actively seeking potential flaws and limitations in methodology, analysis, and conclusions.
• Consult Experts and Peers:  Discuss your findings and identified biases with experts or peers in your field. Their insights can help you refine your analysis and gain broader perspectives.
• Clearly Report Identified Biases:  Don’t shy away from acknowledging and discussing potential biases in existing studies. This demonstrates transparency and strengthens your analysis.
• Use Your Findings to Guide Your Research:  Identify and address limitations in previous studies by designing your research to overcome them. This contributes to a more robust and comprehensive understanding of your topic.

What impact does a thorough literature review have on the formulation of a research methodology

A thorough literature review can have a  profound impact  on the formulation of your research methodology by influencing several key aspects;

1. Identifying Relevant Research Designs:  The review exposes you to diverse research designs used in previous studies related to your topic. This broadens your understanding of how specific questions can be addressed and helps you choose the most suitable design for your own research question.

2. Selecting Appropriate Data Collection Methods:  By analyzing the methods used in past studies, you gain insights into the effectiveness and limitations of different data collection techniques. This knowledge empowers you to select methods that align with your research design and the type of data you need to answer your question.

3. Considering Sampling Strategies:  Exploring how previous studies selected their samples allows you to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different sampling techniques. This informs your decisions regarding sample size, representativeness, and potential biases associated with different sampling strategies.

4. Developing Data Analysis Procedures:  Reviewing past studies' analysis methods helps you understand different approaches to data processing, interpretation, and statistical techniques. This allows you to adapt or create appropriate analysis procedures tailored to your specific research question and data type.

5. Anticipating Potential Challenges:  Analyzing the limitations and challenges encountered in past studies equips you to proactively address similar issues in your own research. This helps you refine your methodology and plan mitigation strategies to ensure data quality and validity.

6. Justifying Your Chosen Methods:  The literature review becomes a foundation for justifying your chosen methods. By highlighting how your approach addresses limitations of past studies or offers a unique perspective, you demonstrate the suitability and potential advantages of your methodology.

• Focus on Methodological Relevance:  When analyzing past studies, prioritize those that adopted research designs and methods closest to your own inquiry.
• Consult Experts and Peers:  Share your chosen methodology and its connection to your research question with experts or peers for feedback and refinement.
• Maintain Rigor and Transparency:  Ensure your chosen methods align with recognized research standards and clearly explain their rationale in your research report.

How does the literature review process contribute to the synthesis of information from various sources

The literature review process plays a crucial role in synthesizing information from various sources by several key mechanisms;

1. Critical Evaluation and Comparison:  You don’t simply summarize each source individually; you actively compare and contrast their findings, methodologies, and theoretical perspectives. This helps you identify commonalities, inconsistencies, and unique contributions of each source.

2. Identification of Key Themes and Arguments:  Through in-depth analysis, you uncover recurring themes, arguments, and concepts across different sources. This allows you to synthesize diverse information into a cohesive understanding of the overall knowledge landscape surrounding your topic.

3. Building Connections and Relationships:  You go beyond just presenting findings side-by-side. You actively build connections between different sources, highlighting how they support, contradict, or expand upon each other’s ideas. This creates a richer and more nuanced understanding of the topic.

4. Integrating Theories and Explanations:  You don’t just list theories; you evaluate their strengths and weaknesses within the context of your research question. By integrating relevant theories from different sources, you create a robust theoretical framework that informs your own research and analysis.

5. Constructing New Knowledge:  Synthesis is not just about summarizing; it’s about drawing new insights and interpretations based on the combined information. By critically analyzing and creatively connecting across sources, you can formulate original perspectives and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

• Utilize Visual Tools:  Mind maps, concept maps, or diagrams can help visualize relationships between different sources and key findings.
• Develop a Coding System:  Categorize different sources based on themes, methodologies, or viewpoints to facilitate comparison and synthesis.
• Write Critically and Analytically:  Don’t simply paraphrase; analyze, evaluate, and interpret the information from different sources in light of your research question.
• Maintain Transparency and Source Attribution:  Clearly acknowledge the sources you use and ensure proper citation practices throughout your review.

By engaging in these active synthesis processes, the literature review becomes much more than a collection of summaries. It transforms into a powerful tool for generating new knowledge, refining your research question, and contributing meaningfully to the existing body of scholarship. 

What strategies can researchers employ to critically evaluate and synthesize diverse literature in their field

Researchers can employ a variety of strategies to critically evaluate and synthesize diverse literature in their field;

Evaluation Strategies

• Scrutinize Methodology:  Analyze the research design, sample selection, data collection, and analysis methods used in each source. Consider potential biases, limitations, and strengths of each approach.
• Evaluate Theoretical Frameworks:  Examine the theoretical perspectives underpinning each study. Are they well-justified? Do they align with other studies and your own research question?
• Assess Findings and Claims:  Don’t accept results at face value. Critically evaluate the evidence and arguments presented, considering alternative interpretations and potential counter-arguments.
• Consider Author Credibility:  Look at the author’s expertise and publication history in the field. Are they respected figures? Do they have potential biases or conflicts of interest?
• Compare and Contrast Sources:  Actively compare findings, methodologies, and conclusions across different sources. Identify similarities, discrepancies, and unique contributions of each study.

Synthesis Strategies

• Identify Recurring Themes and Arguments:  As you analyze sources, look for common threads, concepts, and debates emerging across the literature. Organize your findings around these themes for clarity.
• Build Connections and Relationships:  Don’t present sources in isolation. Highlight how they relate to each other, building a cohesive understanding of the topic. Show how they support, contradict, or expand upon each other’s ideas.
• Develop a Synthesis Framework:  Create a structure to organize your synthesis, such as chronological analysis, thematic comparison, or methodological critique. This framework will guide your analysis and presentation.
• Integrate and Interpret:  Go beyond simply summarizing. Use the combined information to draw new insights, interpretations, and conclusions relevant to your research question.
• Utilize Visual Tools:  Mind maps, concept maps, or diagrams can help visualize relationships between sources, themes, and key findings.
• Consult Experts and Peers:  Discuss your findings and interpretations with scholars or colleagues in your field. Their feedback can refine your analysis and identify potential blind spots.
• Utilize Specialized Tools:  Software like NVivo or ATLAS.ti can help manage and analyze large amounts of literature data.
• Maintain Transparency and Citation:  Clearly acknowledge the sources you use and ensure proper citation practices throughout your work.
• Focus on Quality Over Quantity:  Don’t aim for an exhaustive review at the expense of depth. Prioritize high-quality, relevant sources that offer significant insights.

How does a literature review contribute to the identification of key variables and concepts in a research study

A well-conducted literature review plays a crucial role in identifying key variables and concepts for your research study in several ways;

1. Unveiling Relevant Domains and Theories:  By immersing yourself in the existing scholarship, you’ll encounter various theories and concepts surrounding your topic. These serve as starting points for identifying potential variables relevant to your research question.

2. Identifying Relationships and Interactions:  Through your analysis, you’ll discover how different concepts and variables are linked within existing studies. This helps you understand potential interactions and dependencies between factors you might investigate.

3. Examining Measurements and Operationalizations:  Reviewing past research methods allows you to see how specific variables have been operationalized and measured. This informs your own choices regarding how to define and measure relevant variables in your study.

4. Recognizing Contextual Factors:  The literature review exposes you to various contextual factors that might influence the variables you’re interested in. This awareness helps you identify potential moderator or control variables that need consideration in your research design.

5. Spotlighting Gaps and Untapped Potential:  Analyzing past studies can reveal areas where specific variables haven’t been fully explored or their interactions haven’t been examined. This highlights opportunities for you to explore novel variables or investigate existing ones from a unique perspective.

• Develop a Focused Research Question:  A clear and specific research question guides your search for relevant variables and ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by too much information.
• Utilize Key Terms and Search Operators:  Explore the literature using relevant keywords and Boolean operators to refine your search and target specific concepts or variables.
• Consult With Experts and Peers:  Discuss your research topic and potential variables with experts or colleagues in your field. Their insights can point you towards important concepts and suggest different perspectives.
• Conduct Thematic Analysis:  Organize your findings by grouping related concepts and variables. This visualizes their connections and helps you identify key elements for your research.
• Maintain Theoretical Coherence:  Ensure the identified variables and concepts align with your chosen theoretical framework, demonstrating their relevance to your research question.

The literature review is not just about passively collecting information; it’s about actively analyzing and making connections. By critically engaging with existing research, you’ll unearth the key variables and concepts that form the foundation of your study, ensuring its relevance, depth, and potential to add new knowledge to your field.

Can a literature review help researchers recognize trends and emerging themes in a particular academic field

Yes! A well-conducted literature review can be a powerful tool for researchers to recognize trends and emerging themes in a particular academic field. Here’s how;

1. Identifying Patterns and Recurring Concepts:  As you delve into existing research, you’ll naturally start noticing recurring themes, ideas, and methodologies being employed across different studies. These patterns can point towards emerging trends gaining traction within the field.

2. Tracking Shifts in Focus and Emphasis:  By comparing older studies with recent ones, you can identify shifts in the field’s focus. Are there new research questions gaining prominence? Are specific methodologies gaining favor? Recognizing these shifts can highlight emerging trends.

3. Analyzing Debates and Controversies:  Examining ongoing debates and controversies within the literature can reveal areas where new knowledge is being actively sought. These discussions often point towards potential trends in the field as researchers explore various solutions or interpretations.

4. Recognizing Gaps and Unexplored Areas:  A thorough literature review often uncovers gaps in previous research or areas where existing knowledge remains incomplete. Identifying these gaps can lead you to potential new trends as researchers strive to address them with their studies.

5. Utilizing Bibliometrics and Citation Analysis:  Analyzing citation patterns and trends in publication dates can reveal which areas are attracting increasing attention and potential emerging trends that are gaining momentum within the field.

• Develop a Broad Search Strategy:  Don’t limit yourself to specific journals or disciplines. Cast a wider net to capture diverse perspectives and identify potential trends across different subfields.
• Use Critical Analysis:  Don’t simply accept trends at face value. Analyze their potential causes, implications, and validity. Are they supported by evidence, or are they merely hype?
• Consult Experts and Peers:  Discuss your findings and interpretations with scholars or colleagues in your field. Their insights can help you confirm or refine your understanding of emerging trends.
• Consider the Broader Context:  Analyze how emerging trends within your field connect with developments in other disciplines or societal changes. This adds context and depth to your understanding.
• Stay Updated:  Regularly review new literature and attend conferences to keep informed of the latest developments and emerging trends in your field.

What is the significance of staying updated on the latest literature when conducting a literature review

Staying updated on the latest literature holds immense significance for conducting a thorough and impactful literature review in several ways;

1. Ensuring Comprehensiveness and Relevance:  The field of research is constantly evolving, with new studies, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks emerging regularly. By incorporating the latest literature, you ensure your review encompasses the most current knowledge and findings, leading to a more comprehensive and relevant understanding of your topic.

2. Identifying Novel Research Questions and Gaps:  Recent publications often highlight new areas of inquiry and potential shortcomings in existing knowledge. Staying updated helps you identify gaps in research and formulate innovative research questions that address these unresolved issues, contributing to the advancement of your field.

3. Avoiding Outdated Information and Biases:  Relying solely on older literature might lead you to perpetuate outdated understandings or miss vital advancements that challenge previous biases. Staying updated ensures your review reflects the current state of knowledge and avoids misinterpretations based on superseded information.

4. Demonstrating Rigor and Expertise:  Incorporating recent, high-quality studies into your review showcases your awareness of the latest developments and strengthens the credibility of your work. It demonstrates your commitment to conducting a thorough and well-informed analysis.

5. Fostering Collaboration and Networking:  Engaging with the latest literature opens doors for collaboration with researchers exploring similar topics and methodologies. Utilizing new tools and platforms for scholarly communication allows you to connect with diverse perspectives and potentially contribute to ongoing research projects.

Strategies for Staying Updated

• Develop Targeted Alerts:  Set up automatic notifications for new publications in relevant journals, databases, and author profiles.
• Attend Conferences and Workshops:  Participate in academic events to gain insights into ongoing research and network with experts.
• Utilize Literature Review Tools:  Leverage software like Mendeley or Zotero to efficiently manage your references and receive updates related to your research interests.
• Subscribe to Author Blogs and Newsletters:  Follow prominent researchers in your field to stay informed about their latest work and insights.
• Join Online Communities and Forums:  Engage in discussions with fellow researchers to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn about emerging trends.

Staying updated on the latest literature is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. By actively engaging with new developments and incorporating them into your research, you can ensure your literature review remains relevant, impactful, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

How does the literature review process contribute to the overall rigor and validity of academic research

The literature review process plays a crucial role in ensuring the  rigor and validity  of academic research in several key ways;

1. Establishing Context and Foundation:  A comprehensive literature review provides the context and theoretical foundation for your research. It demonstrates your understanding of the existing body of knowledge, relevant debates, and established methodologies. This ensures your research isn’t conducted in isolation and builds upon existing knowledge, contributing to the overall understanding of your field.

2. Preventing Duplication and Redundancy:  By thoroughly exploring past research, you can identify areas where research is already saturated and avoid replicating what has already been done. This prevents unnecessary duplication of effort and ensures your research focuses on addressing genuine gaps in knowledge.

3. Justifying Your Research Question and Methodology:  The literature review allows you to justify the significance of your research question and the chosen methodology. You can demonstrate how your study addresses limitations in previous research, offers unique insights, or employs innovative approaches, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

4. Identifying Potential Biases and Limitations:  A critical analysis of existing research helps you identify potential biases and limitations in previous studies. By acknowledging these limitations and outlining strategies to address them in your own research, you demonstrate awareness and enhance the trustworthiness of your findings.

5. Ensuring Transparency and Traceability:  The literature review showcases the sources and evidence upon which your research is built. This transparency allows other researchers to assess the validity of your arguments, replicate your findings, and build upon your work, contributing to the overall scientific process.

6. Building Credibility and Expertise:  A well-researched and well-presented literature review showcases your understanding of the field and your ability to critically evaluate existing knowledge. This establishes your credibility as a researcher and strengthens the impact of your findings.

7. Enhancing Argumentation and Communication:  Your knowledge gleaned from the literature review enriches your arguments by providing them with historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and comparisons to related work. This improves communication and ensures your research resonates with other scholars in the field.

8. Informing Data Analysis and Interpretation:  By understanding how past research has approached similar topics, you can develop a more informed approach to analyzing your own data and interpreting your findings. This helps you ensure your conclusions are well-grounded and supported by existing knowledge.

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What is Literature Review? Importance, Functions, Process,

• Post last modified: 13 August 2023
• Reading time: 12 mins read
• Post category: Research Methodology

What is Literature Review?

A literature review is a critical and comprehensive analysis of existing research, studies, articles, books, and other relevant sources on a specific topic or subject. It serves as a foundational step in the research process, helping researchers understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in the literature, and establish a context for their own study.

Table of Content

• 1 What is Literature Review?
• 2 Importance of a Literature Review
• 3 Functions of a Literature Review
• 4.1 Search the Existing Literature in Your Field of Interest
• 4.2 Review the Literature Obtained
• 4.3 Develop a Theoretical Framework
• 4.4 Write the Literature Review
• 5 How to Write a Literature Review
• 6 Types of Sources for Review

In most research reports or research papers, you will see that literature review is an essential element and it forms the basis for advancing knowledge, facilitates theory development, discovers new research areas and closes old ones. When researchers want to understand the management dilemma, they study various books, articles and all other available sources.

In the research reports, the researchers present a summary of their search, study and evaluation of the literature that is already available related to the research topic. When the researcher presents a summary of their study of present literature in addition to their analysis of how this literature is related to or essential for the current research report; then, this process is known as literature review.

For example, in a research paper titled ‘Attrition Analysis in a Leading Sales Organisation in India’, authored by Mamta Mohapatra (International Management Institute, New Delhi, India), Amisha Gupta (Birlasoft, New Delhi, India) and Nikita Lamba (Genpact, New Delhi, India), literature review is presented as follows:

Organisations and researchers usually conduct literature review in order to establish how their own research fits within the context of existing literature.

Apart from these, some other objectives of carrying out literature review are:

• Develop an understanding of how each source of literature helps in understanding the research problem
• Examine the interrelationships among different variables
• Find out ways to interpret earlier similar researches on the topic under study
• Rectify the conflicts that exist among previously conducted studies
• Get an idea regarding the required sample size
• Get an estimate of how much variance is there in the variables of interest
• Understand the type of relationship that exists among variables
• Determine the research method that can be used in the research

Importance of a Literature Review

There are various reasons for carrying out literature review. Majorly, literature review helps in:

• Assessing the current state and level of research on a given topic
• Identifying experts related to particular research
• Identifying questions that need further research and exploration
• Identifying what methodologies have been used in the related past studies and what methodology should be used in current research
• Justifying a proposed research methodology
• Indicating the originality and relevance of the given research problem
• Demonstrating the preparedness of a researcher to complete the research

Functions of a Literature Review

Some of the major functions of literature review are:

• Establishing a context for the research
• Demonstrating that the researcher has actually read related literature extensively and is aware of most theory and methodology related to the given research topic
• Providing a shape for the research under consideration
• Establishing a connection between what the researcher is proposing and what he has already read
• Demonstrating how the findings of researcher can be integrated with the already existing research findings.
• Revealing the differences or areas of gap between present and earlier research findings
• Improving researcher’s research methodology
• Expanding researcher’s knowledge base
• Ensuring that the researcher is carrying out new research that has not been carried out earlier

Process of a Literature Review

The second step in the research process is to carry out the review of already existing literature. Before engaging in literature review, the researcher must be clear as to what is the area and topic of research. There are four steps involved in the literature review process as shown in Figure:

Search the Existing Literature in Your Field of Interest

In the literature review process, the first step is to find out what research has already been done in the area that the researcher has chosen. This step involves preparing a list or bibliography of existing sources of relevant literature such as books, journals, abstracts of articles on your research topic, citation indices and digital libraries.

Review the Literature Obtained

After the researcher has identified related literature including journals, books, research papers, etc.; the next step is to study, evaluate and analyse the literature critically. This study of literature helps a researcher identify themes and issues related to the research topic.

An evaluation of literature helps in:

• Identifying the different theories and their criticism
• Identifying different methodologies used in different studies including their sample size, data used, measurement methods
• Assessing if the researcher’s theory is confirmed beyond doubt
• Preparing a list of different opinions of different researchers and researcher should also add his/her opinion about the validity of these different opinions

Develop a Theoretical Framework

Since carrying out literature review is a time-consuming activity but the researcher has to do it within a limited time. In order to do so, the researcher usually establishes a boundary and parameters for the research work. Also, the researcher must sort information obtained from all the sources of literature. For a researcher, the theoretical framework acts as a base on which he can further or extend his research. At times, the researchers may modify their research framework after analysing the available literature.

Write the Literature Review

The last step in literature review is to make a summary of all the literature that the researcher has studied and reviewed. Usually, writing a literature review starts with a write-up on the main theme of research followed by the important ideas on which the research would focus. After this, the all the major themes and sub-themes to be discussed are organised and related. This will help the researcher in structuring the literature review. The researcher should also identify and describe the theories and studies that are relevant for the study under consideration. The researcher should then list and describe all the gaps that are present in the current body of knowledge. In addition, the researcher may also explain the recent advances and trends in the given research field. To conclude, the researcher should compare and evaluate his findings on the basis of research assumptions, related research theories, hypotheses, applied research designs, variables selected and potential future work speculated by the researchers. Finally, the researcher must acknowledge, cite and quote all the sources that he/she has used in his research. One specific characteristic of literature review is that the researcher must ensure that he gives due credit to all people who have contributed in the research work.

How to Write a Literature Review

While writing the literature review, the researcher must adopt or adhere to certain strategies as follows:

• Establish a focus around the central theme and ideas of the research
• Describe what a reader can expect from the given research study
• Organise the literature research to include basic elements such as introduction, body and conclusions

Types of Sources for Review

A researcher usually uses secondary data for literature review. Some of the major and widely used sources for literature reviews include articles in professional journals, statistical data from government websites and website material from professional organisations.

Apart from the previously mentioned sources, certain other sources of data can also be used by researchers that provide them first-hand information that is important for the study. These sources include reports, theses, emails, letters, conference proceedings, company reports, autobiographies, official reports, research articles, etc.

Apart from these, the researcher may also refer to other such as review articles, academic journals, books, newspapers, documentaries, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, bibliographies and citation indexes.

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• What is Corporate Governance?
• What is Ownership Concentration?
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• What is Assessment of Risk?
• What is Risk Register?
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Theories of CSR
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• Implement CSR Commitments
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• What is Corporate Ethics?

Lean Six Sigma

• What is Six Sigma?
• What is Lean Six Sigma?
• Value and Waste in Lean Six Sigma
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• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• What is Process Audits?
• Six Sigma Implementation at Ford
• IBM Uses Six Sigma to Drive Behaviour Change
• Research Methodology
• What is Research?

What is Hypothesis?

• Sampling Method

Research Methods

Data collection in research, methods of collecting data.

• Application of Business Research
• Levels of Measurement
• What is Sampling?
• Hypothesis Testing
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• What is Controlling?
• What is Coordination?
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• What is Supply Chain Mapping?
• Supply Chain Process Restructuring
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• Re-engineering Improvement in SCM
• What is Supply Chain Drivers?
• Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model
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• Netflix’s Niche Focused Strategy
• Disney and Pixar Merger
• Process Planning at Mcdonald’s

Service Operations Management

• What is Service?
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Procurement Management

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Strategic Management

• What is Strategic Management?
• What is Value Chain Analysis?
• Mission Statement
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• What is SWOT Analysis?
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• What is Ansoff Matrix?
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• What is PESTLE Analysis?
• Fragmentation and Consolidation Of Industries
• What is Technology Life Cycle?
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• Resources and Capabilities of Organization
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• What is Strategy Gap Analysis?
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• What is Strategic Management Process?

Supply Chain

• What is Supply Chain Management?
• Supply Chain Planning and Measuring Strategy Performance
• What is Warehousing?
• What is Packaging?
• What is Inventory Management?
• What is Material Handling?
• What is Order Picking?
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• What is Warehouse Design?
• What is Warehousing Costs?

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Why is it important to do a literature review in research?

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The Importance and Role of Biostatistics in Clinical Research

 “A substantive, thorough, sophisticated literature review is a precondition for doing substantive, thorough, sophisticated research”. Boote and Baile 2005

Authors of manuscripts treat writing a literature review as a routine work or a mere formality. But a seasoned one knows the purpose and importance of a well-written literature review.  Since it is one of the basic needs for researches at any level, they have to be done vigilantly. Only then the reader will know that the basics of research have not been neglected.

The aim of any literature review is to summarize and synthesize the arguments and ideas of existing knowledge in a particular field without adding any new contributions.   Being built on existing knowledge they help the researcher to even turn the wheels of the topic of research.  It is possible only with profound knowledge of what is wrong in the existing findings in detail to overpower them.  For other researches, the literature review gives the direction to be headed for its success. 

The common perception of literature review and reality:

As per the common belief, literature reviews are only a summary of the sources related to the research. And many authors of scientific manuscripts believe that they are only surveys of what are the researches are done on the chosen topic.  But on the contrary, it uses published information from pertinent and relevant sources like

• Scholarly books
• Scientific papers
• Latest studies in the field
• Established school of thoughts
• Relevant articles from renowned scientific journals

and many more for a field of study or theory or a particular problem to do the following:

• Summarize into a brief account of all information
• Synthesize the information by restructuring and reorganizing
• Critical evaluation of a concept or a school of thought or ideas
• Familiarize the authors to the extent of knowledge in the particular field
• Encapsulate
• Compare & contrast

By doing the above on the relevant information, it provides the reader of the scientific manuscript with the following for a better understanding of it:

• It establishes the authors’  in-depth understanding and knowledge of their field subject
• It gives the background of the research
• Portrays the scientific manuscript plan of examining the research result
• Illuminates on how the knowledge has changed within the field
• Highlights what has already been done in a particular field
• Information of the generally accepted facts, emerging and current state of the topic of research
• Identifies the research gap that is still unexplored or under-researched fields
• Demonstrates how the research fits within a larger field of study
• Provides an overview of the sources explored during the research of a particular topic

Importance of literature review in research:

The importance of literature review in scientific manuscripts can be condensed into an analytical feature to enable the multifold reach of its significance.  It adds value to the legitimacy of the research in many ways:

• Provides the interpretation of existing literature in light of updated developments in the field to help in establishing the consistency in knowledge and relevancy of existing materials
• It helps in calculating the impact of the latest information in the field by mapping their progress of knowledge.
• It brings out the dialects of contradictions between various thoughts within the field to establish facts
• The research gaps scrutinized initially are further explored to establish the latest facts of theories to add value to the field
• Indicates the current research place in the schema of a particular field
• Provides information for relevancy and coherency to check the research
• Apart from elucidating the continuance of knowledge, it also points out areas that require further investigation and thus aid as a starting point of any future research
• Justifies the research and sets up the research question
• Sets up a theoretical framework comprising the concepts and theories of the research upon which its success can be judged
• Helps to adopt a more appropriate methodology for the research by examining the strengths and weaknesses of existing research in the same field
• Increases the significance of the results by comparing it with the existing literature
• Provides a point of reference by writing the findings in the scientific manuscript
• Helps to get the due credit from the audience for having done the fact-finding and fact-checking mission in the scientific manuscripts
• The more the reference of relevant sources of it could increase more of its trustworthiness with the readers
• Helps to prevent plagiarism by tailoring and uniquely tweaking the scientific manuscript not to repeat other’s original idea
• By preventing plagiarism , it saves the scientific manuscript from rejection and thus also saves a lot of time and money
• Helps to evaluate, condense and synthesize gist in the author’s own words to sharpen the research focus
• Helps to compare and contrast to  show the originality and uniqueness of the research than that of the existing other researches
• Rationalizes the need for conducting the particular research in a specified field
• Helps to collect data accurately for allowing any new methodology of research than the existing ones
• Enables the readers of the manuscript to answer the following questions of its readers for its better chances for publication
• What do the researchers know?
• What do they not know?
• Is the scientific manuscript reliable and trustworthy?
• What are the knowledge gaps of the researcher?

22. It helps the readers to identify the following for further reading of the scientific manuscript:

• What has been already established, discredited and accepted in the particular field of research
• Areas of controversy and conflicts among different schools of thought
• Unsolved problems and issues in the connected field of research
• The emerging trends and approaches
• How the research extends, builds upon and leaves behind from the previous research

A profound literature review with many relevant sources of reference will enhance the chances of the scientific manuscript publication in renowned and reputed scientific journals .

References:

http://www.math.montana.edu/jobo/phdprep/phd6.pdf

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Functions or Importance of Literature

Literature, if general, is a body of written works whether these works belong to English or any other language of the world. But, this definition is not enough to explain  What is Literature? However, this is a great topic for discussion of what makes a literary text different from ordinary language. In short, Literature is what a piece of text has artistic or intellectual value with a distinct language different from ordinary one. It is also divided into so many kinds like; Poetry, Novel, Short Story, Drama, Fiction, Non-Fiction etc.

Literature serves certain functions in our life (think of the world without books or any writings?).

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Let’s elucidate the brief functions below:

• One of the functions of literature is for enjoyment or entertainment.
• Literature can also help us be more imaginative and it can serve as an inspiration.
• Another function of literature is for us to gain experiences.
• We can also gain understanding and empathy through literature.
• Literature also serves as a heritage.
• One of the functions of literature is to develop our literary and artistic preferences.
• Through literature you would be able to appreciate the importance of reading.
• Developing our unique writing style is one of the functions of literature.
• Literature can also help gain more knowledge.

You can also download our complete PDF guide about these functions with explanation by clicking on the download button below.

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• Case Report
• Open access
• Published: 06 May 2024

Disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection initially presenting as cutaneous and subcutaneous lesion in an HIV-Negative renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review

• Shanshan Yang 1 ,
• Lixin Lou 2 ,
• Shuhong Ma 1 ,
• Haoliang Wang 3 ,
• Lanxiang Rong 1 ,
• Ying Liu 1 ,
• Kaiyu Zhang 2 ,
• Qing Ai 1 &

BMC Infectious Diseases volume  24 , Article number:  473 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

209 Accesses

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Metrics details

The incidence of Talaromyces marneffei ( T. marneffei ) infection has increased in recent years with the development of organ transplantation and the widespread use of immunosuppressive agents. However, the lack of clinical suspicion leading to delay or misdiagnosis is an important reason for the high mortality rate in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-endemic population. Herein, we report a case of disseminated T. marneffei infection in a non-HIV and non-endemic recipient after renal transplant, who initially presented with skin rashes and subcutaneous nodules and developed gastrointestinal bleeding.

Case presentation

We describe a 54-year-old renal transplantation recipient presented with scattered rashes, subcutaneous nodules and ulcerations on the head, face, abdomen, and right upper limb. The HIV antibody test was negative. The patient had no obvious symptoms such as fever, cough, etc. Histopathological result of the skin lesion sites showed chronic suppurative inflammation with a large number of fungal spores. Subsequent fungal culture suggested T. marneffei infection. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was given for antifungal treatment, and there was no deterioration in the parameters of liver and kidney function. Unfortunately, the patient was soon diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation and acute peritonitis. Then he rapidly developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and abandoned treatment.

Conclusions

The risk of fatal gastrointestinal bleeding can be significantly increased in kidney transplant patients with T. marneffei infection because of the long-term side effects of post-transplant medications. Strengthening clinical awareness and using mNGS or mass spectrometry technologies to improve the detection rate and early diagnosis of T. marneffei are crucial for clinical treatment in non-HIV and non-endemic population.

Peer Review reports

Talaromyces marneffei ( T. marneffei ), initially named Penicillium marneffei , was isolated from the liver of bamboo rats [ 1 ]. It is currently the only known pathogenic thermally dimorphic fungus in the genus Penicillium . Specifically, it forms white or brownish yeast-like colonies at 36 °C, while it grows in a mold form at 28 °C. Characteristically, the colonies of T. marneffei exhibit a “broom-like” structure, and produce a soluble wine-red pigment that diffuses into the agar at 28 °C [ 2 ]. T. marneffei infection can be classified into localized and disseminated types, which are associated with the functional status of the host immune system. Disseminated T. marneffei infection usually involves the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, intestines, and soft tissues, resulting in a high mortality rate [ 3 ].

T . marneffei is generally thought to be the most common opportunistic fungal infection among acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in South China and Southeast Asia [ 4 ]. In recent years, with the development of organ transplantation, the widespread use of immunosuppressive agents, and the continuous exploration of related autoantibodies or gene mutations, the immunodeficient population has increased significantly, leading to a growing incidence of talaromycosis caused by T. marneffei infection. However, missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are not uncommon because talaromycosis is rare with occult onset, diverse clinical manifestations and diverse radiographic manifestations [ 5 ]. Moreover, talaromycosis is often associated with many complications, resulting in complex treatment and serious side effects. Hence, the prognosis of T. marneffei is usually poor, with rapid progression and a high mortality rate. Here, we report a case of disseminated T. marneffei infection in an HIV-negative renal transplant recipient from non-endemic area with an initial presentation of skin rash and subcutaneous nodule for the first time. It’s also the second case of T. marneffei infection in a kidney transplant recipient who developed rare gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, we summarized the characteristics of T. marneffei in diagnosis and treatment, and especially presented the dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding in T. marneffei -infected kidney transplant patients in combination with the relevant literature.

A 54-year-old male was admitted to the hospital on August 6, 2022, due to swelling and pain in his right hand after a crushing injury. The patient reported that over a year ago, he gradually developed scattered rashes and subcutaneous nodules throughout his body, mainly concentrated on the head, face, abdomen, and right upper limb. The patient had neither fever, cough, or sputum production nor abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, chest pain, or hemoptysis. The patient had undergone renal transplantation 11 years prior due to uremia induced by idiopathic membranous nephropathy and was chronically treated with immunosuppressive agents and steroids after surgery. The current dosage was tacrolimus 1 mg qm, 0.5 mg qn; prednisone 2 tablets qd; and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 capsule tid. The patient had a history of hypertension and diabetes but no history of AIDS or tuberculosis. The patient had a 10-year history of hepatitis B and had been undergoing long-term antiviral treatment with adefovir dipivoxil at a dosage of 10 mg per day.

The breath sounds were coarse in both lungs, and a few wet rales could be heard in the right lower lung. There were no murmurs or additional heart sounds in the auscultation areas of each valve. Subcutaneous nodules were scattered throughout the body and partially ulcerated. There was no palpable enlargement of the superficial lymph nodes, bilateral tonsils, subcostal liver/spleen, or percussion pain in the bilateral renal regions. A lung computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple nodules in the bilateral lungs, inflammation in the bilateral lower lobes, and thickened pleura in the right side. Mediastinal lymph nodes were not obviously enlarged (Fig.  1 ).

A chest computed tomography scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules in the bilateral lungs, inflammation in the bilateral lower lobes and thickened pleura in the right side. Mediastinal lymph nodes were not obviously enlarged

Blood routine test results suggested white blood cell (WBC), 11.43 × 10 9 /L; hemoglobin (Hb), 97 g/L; and C-reactive protein (CRP), 17.01 mg/L. Abnormal biochemistry results were as follows: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 5 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 7 U/L; prealbumin (PA), 115 mg/L; urea, 23.6 mmol/L; blood creatinine (Cr), 251 µmol/L; glucose, 12.8 mmol/L. Abnormal coagulation routine test results were as follows: von Willebrand Factor (vWF), 334%; Antithrombin III (ATIII), 76%.

According to the imaging report (necrotizing fasciitis of the right hand and right elbow, purulent arthritis of the right hand, soft tissue infection of the right chest wall), the patient received abscess drainage, fasciotomy and decompression surgery on August 8th (Fig.  2 ). At the same time, the ruptured tissue was sent for bacterial culture and identification. The incubation was at 35℃, using blood agar and MacConkey agar. On August 9th, a morphology of mycelia was observed, and lactophenol cotton blue staining suggested “ Penicillium ”, which we considered a contaminant. Due to the patient’s skin rupture and exposure to air, other bacterial or fungal infections could not be ruled out. Subsequently, the cultivation of fungi was on sabouraud dextrose agar at 28℃ and 35℃ simultaneously. Later, the colonies incubated at 28℃ turned red. Although T. marneffei infection in a non-HIV renal transplantation recipient from a nonendemic area is rarely observed, this still raised our concern. Thus, we sent samples from multiple affected areas of the patient (hands, elbows, chest) for microbiological testing on August 15th. The pathogen growed in the filamentous form at 28℃ and in the yeast form at 35℃, which confirmed T. marneffei infection (Fig.  3 ), which was consistent with the mass spectrometry results. The chest histopathological results showed chronic suppurative inflammation with a large number of yeast-like cells with central septa, foam cell aggregation, and focal necrosis (Fig.  4 ), which further confirmed the result of the microbiological identification.

Preoperative photograph showing multiple ulcerations on anterior chest and abdomen before abscess incision drainage ( a ). Surgical fasciotomy on the right elbow ( b ) and the right hand ( c ) joint for decompression

Bacterial culture of the purulent juice from three affected areas (right hand, right elbow and chest) revealed the presence of T. marneffei . ( a ). yellow villous colonies with characteristic red pigment production were observed after incubation on sabouraud dextrose agar at 28 ºC. ( b ). culture of T. marneffei . at 35 °C showed yeast phase on blood agar plate. ( c ). Light microscopy photo of lactophenol cotton blue staining from fungal purulent juice culture demonstrating brush-shaped hyphae (yellow arrow) in a smear preparation of colony culture at 28 ºC

Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining of the chest wound tissue showing sausage-like spores with a central septum (yellow arrow) ( a ). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results showing chronic suppurative inflammation ( b ), foam cell aggregation and focal necrosis ( c )

The laboratory features were getting worse, with a CRP level of 149.18 mg/L; a procalcitonin (PCT) level of 6.65 ng/ml; a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 65 g/L; a platelet count of 101 × 10 9 /L. The coagulation routine test results revealed prothrombin time (PT), 18.1s; activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), 45.2s; prothrombin activity (PTA), 47%; and D-Dimer, 1.11 µg/mL. Considering the elevated neutrophils and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, piperacillin tazobactam (4.5 g/8 h) was given for antibacterial treatment. Due to the severity of the infection, oral prednisone was discontinued, tacrolimus and MMF remained at original dosage. Amphotericin B deoxycholate (initial dose: 0.5 mg/kg/d, therapeutic dose: 1.0 mg/kg/d) was given for antifungal treatment. On August 24th, the patient had melena (approximately 800 mL/d) and was diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. This might have been caused by T. marneffei involvement in the gastrointestinal mucosa. At the same time, the side effects of amphotericin B in the gastrointestinal tract were also related [ 6 , 7 ]. On the night of August 25th, the patient experienced abdominal pain. Emergency abdominal CT revealed free gas in the abdominal cavity and gas density shadows around the liver and abdominal cavity, indicating gastrointestinal perforation and acute peritonitis. The patient underwent surgical repair of the intestine. The antibiotics were changed to ertapenem (1 g, qd), and Adefovir was discontinued. Over the next two days, the platelet count gradually decreased, and the levels of CRP and procalcitonin (PCT) were abnormally elevated. However, the serum creatinine level remained between 206 and 260 µmol/L, and the liver function indicators aspertate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) did not significantly increase. The dose of MMF was adjusted to 1 capsule bid. Furthermore, maltose-fermenting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from sputum, Burkholderia cepacia was cultured from blood, and Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were cultured from ascites. Subsequent blood metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) reported T. marneffei (341), cytomegalovirus (153), parvovirus (43), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) (15), and epstein-barr virus (EB) (16). Clinically, ertapenem was replaced, and meropenem and ganciclovir were used for antibacterial and antiviral treatment, respectively. The dose of MMF was adjusted to 1 capsule qd for nasal feeding. Unfortunately, the patient soon developed acute respiratory failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (circulatory, renal, hematological, coagulation), shock and hepatic encephalopathy. Finally, the patient’s family members abandoned treatment and requested discharge. One month later, during follow-up, the patient died after failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Discussion and literature review

As one of the most common opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS, T. marneffei infection has been increasingly reported as a coinfection in non-HIV populations, such as those with malignancy, organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, etc. Due to the different mechanisms of immunodeficiency in T. marneffei patients, the clinical manifestations are often varied and complex. The most common symptoms include fever (82%), skin lesions (40.7%), hepatosplenomegaly (32%), and lymphadenopathy (33.3%). In addition, approximately one-third of patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea [ 8 ]. Due to the lack of specificity in clinical indicators, the misdiagnosis rate is high. Furthermore, talaromycosis is a dangerous and rapidly progressive disease with a high mortality rate because T. marneffei can invade almost all systems and organs, including the lungs, liver, bones, and blood, and the side effects of treatment drugs are severe.

Difficulty in and development of strategies for diagnosing T. marneffei infection

Currently, positive pathogen culture is the gold standard for diagnosing T. marneffei . However, early pathogen diagnosis has a low positive rate, often leading to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or even incorrect treatment. The main reasons for this are as follows: (a) given that patients often have negative blood cultures in the early stage, cultivation and identification from different sites, such as the bone marrow and lymph nodes, is neglected, especially in patients without rash, who always have a higher risk of delay, and (b) a blue fungus that produces a wine-red pigment is not necessarily T. marneffei , and its identification requires observing the colony morphology and the conversion of mold to yeast, which takes a long time. In addition, there are other auxiliary diagnostic methods, such as detecting serum galactomannan (GM) antigen, but it has cross-reactivity with Aspergillus infection and low specificity. Histologically, H&E staining can be used, but due to the similarity between this fungus and the capsule variant form of Histoplasma capsulatum , it is often mistaken for having a capsule, leading to misjudgment. Although it cannot be used as a definitive pathogen diagnosis, molecular biology detection has become an important method for fungal infection pathogen detection in recent years. The use of PCR amplification technology to detect fungal DNA is helpful for early identification, such as detecting the T. marneffei cell wall-specific polysaccharide antigen galactomannan protein Mp1p, which has good application prospects [ 9 , 10 ]. In recent years, the rapidly developing mNGS technology has also shown significant advantages in identifying T. marneffei . It does not require cultivation, saving a significant amount of time, and has high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity [ 11 , 12 ]. mNGS can also be used to identify rare fungi and other types of pathogens, providing rapid diagnostic value. Additionally, some scholars have applied ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) to detect serum biomarkers in T. marneffei patients. The research results show that HIV-negative T. marneffei patients have abnormal metabolism of sphingolipids, and a serum level of Sa (d16:0) at 302.71 nM has a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 100% for diagnosis [ 13 ].

Pathogenesis and symptoms of talaromycosis

Immune deficiency causes the inability of macrophages to effectively clear ingested T. marneffei , leading to the abnormal proliferation of such macrophages and systemic disseminated infection through lymphatic and blood circulation [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].

In addition to HIV or long-term use of immunosuppressive drug caused immune deficiency, autoantibodies or gene mutations relevant immune deficiency has also been gradually discovered and valued in T. marneffei infection. Guo et al. found a high positive rate, up to 94.8%, of anti-INF-γ autoantibodies in a population of 58 HIV-negative T. marneffei -infected individuals, and plasma from patients positive for anti-INF-γ autoantibodies impaired the clearance of T. marneffei by THP-1 cells [ 17 ]. High titers of anti-INF-γ autoantibodies can also inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT1 and Th1 cell differentiation in CD4 + T cells [ 18 ]. Patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) caused by STAT1 and/or STAT3 gene mutations often have defects in T/B/NK cells’ function and INF-γ production, and they are also a high-risk group for T. marneffei infection [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. In addition, there are reports of T. marneffei infection in patients with CARD9 gene mutations [ 23 , 24 ], CD40 ligand deficiency [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], RelB deficiency [ 28 ], IL-2 receptor common γ chain deficiency, and adenosine deaminase deficiency [ 29 ]. The above reports mainly involve T-lymphocyte-activation-related signaling pathways and the NF-κB signaling pathway.

T. marneffei mainly invades the lungs and then spreads to the liver, spleen, etc. It is also possible to invade through the digestive tract or skin wounds by contact with water or soil contaminated with spores. Therefore, the primary symptoms of talaromycosis are mostly fever and cough, occasionally with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea as the initial symptoms [ 30 ]. In this case, the patient gradually developed scattered skin rashes and subcutaneous nodules starting in 2021. However, due to the absence of common symptoms of talaromycosis (cough, fever, diarrhea, hepatosplenomegaly, etc.) and the conventional understanding that T. marneffei infection is rarely observed in cold, northeastern China as well as blood and skin lesion cultures that did not show positive bacteria, T. marneffei failed to be identified and treated in the early stages of infection. The lack of clinical suspicion leading to delay or misdiagnosis is an important reason why the mortality rate of HIV-negative T. marneffei -infected patients is higher than that of HIV-positive patients [ 31 ]. Multiple skin lesions, subcutaneous nodules, or abscesses are usually an early manifestation of these disseminated cases. If T. marneffei was considered early in these cases, biopsy could be performed at multiple skin lesion sites or follow-ups could be conducted, which might lead to an early diagnosis and have important significance for timely clinical treatment and improved prognosis.

Clinical immunosuppressive and therapeutic regimen for non-HIV transplant patients with T. marneffei infection

Currently, cases of T. marneffei infection in non-HIV organ transplantation recipients are still rare. Considering the particular immunosuppressive therapy, the treatment of T. marneffei in these patients is a real challenge. So, we summarized the relevant immunosuppressive and therapeutic regimen here. We searched literatures in the PubMed databases using the terms “Talaromyces marneffei” AND “Transplant”, a total of 12 HIV-negative cases that we could access full text were retrieved till date (Table  1 ) [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. The majority was kidney transplant recipients ( n  = 10) followed by lung transplant ( n  = 2). Six of the 12 patients had coughing and fever as the first symptom, 4 had abdomen and back pain or headache, 2 had diarrhea, 2 had elevated serum creatinine, and only 1 had sore throat and odynophagia. The routine medications after transplantation include tacrolimus (Tac), MMF, prednisolone or Methylprednisolone (Methylpred). After diagnose of T. marneffei infection, MMF was discontinued in 5 of the 12 patients, and reduced in 3 cases. Methylpred was seldom adjusted in almost all cases, excepting cessation in 2 patients. The most frequently reduced or even discontinued immunosuppressant is Tac, because when using voriconazole and itraconazole to defend against T. marneffei infection, the metabolism of Tac by CYP enzyme can be significantly inhibited, leading to the increased blood concentration of Tac. Hence, close monitoring of tacrolimus concentration and timely dose adjustments are necessary. Most of the cases stated Tac was adjusted according to its blood concentration. Currently, the optimal therapeutic window for tacrolimus in kidney transplant patients is 3–6 µg/L starting from 12 months after surgery. However, there is no consensus standard or recommendation for adjusting tacrolimus concentrations in transplant patients with invasive fungal infection, especially those with severe infection. Temporarily discontinuing Tac was reported in cases of severe infection [ 30 ]. This would require systematic evaluation of the patient.

In terms of T. marneffei infection treatment, the current recommended therapeutic regimen is as follows: intravenous administration of liposomal amphotericin B (3–5 mg/kg/day), amphotericin B lipid complex (5 mg/kg/day), or amphotericin B deoxycholate (0.7 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks, followed by consolidation therapy with oral itraconazole 200 mg bid for 10 weeks. If itraconazole is not tolerated, voriconazole can be taken orally, with a starting dose of 400 mg bid on the first day, followed by 200 mg bid for a total of 12 weeks. Subsequent maintenance therapy uses itraconazole 200 mg qd, orally, or voriconazole 200 mg bid, orally.

Although amphotericin B has better treatment effects against talaromycosis, its significant nephrotoxicity is a clinical concern, especially for kidney transplant patients. The nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B is related to its ability to damage the permeability of cell membranes, leading to excessive entry of calcium ions into cells, resulting in cell death [ 43 ]. Additionally, coadministration of amphotericin B and tacrolimus will also increase renal toxicity. Therefore, in clinical practice, voriconazole or itraconazole is usually chosen as the preferred treatment.

Dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding in T. marneffei -infected kidney transplant patients

Another clinical concern is gastrointestinal bleeding caused by involvement of the T. marneffei gastrointestinal mucosa or drug side effects. Although gastrointestinal ulcers and erosion are common in T. marneffei -infected patients ( ∼  31%), gastrointestinal bleeding is very rare. It is worth noting that even among the most common HIV-positive patients with T. marneffei infection, though about a third of these patients have symptoms such as ulcers, only 2 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding could be officially searched using the Pubmed electronic database [ 44 , 45 ]. However, among 11 T. marneffei -infected kidney transplant patients, including the patient described in the current case, 3 patients had gastrointestinal bleeding [ 30 , 32 ], accounting for 27.3%, which is much higher than the proportion of gastrointestinal bleeding in HIV patients. Moreover, three of the above four patients experienced hemorrhagic shock, which is is usually fatal. Therefore, more attention should be given to the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding in kidney transplant patients after T. marneffei infection.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients occurs for the following three reasons: (a) the side effects or adverse reactions of glucocorticoid drugs, especially regarding upper gastrointestinal bleeding; (b) stress ulcers caused by severe trauma, critical illness, or severe psychological disorders; and (c) gastrointestinal side effects of calcineurin inhibitor drugs (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine), although these drugs rarely cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, if T. marneffei infection affects the gastrointestinal tract, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in kidney transplant patients may be significantly increased. Moreover, once it occurs, it can easily become recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding [ 30 ]. Conventional surgical treatment is not ideal, and bleeding may still occur in other parts of the intestines after surgery. Additionally, endoscopic hemostasis treatment carries the risk of causing or exacerbating bleeding, which often proves fatal if it leads to hemorrhagic shock [ 30 , 44 ]. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment are necessary for kidney transplant patients suspected of having T. marneffei infection.

Among the two T. marneffei -infected kidney transplant cases, including our case, patients started using fluconazole or amphotericin B approximately 12 days after admission, and they all experienced gastrointestinal bleeding [ 30 ]. On the other hand, other renal transplant patients who had timely confirmed T. marneffei infection through mNGS after admission and started taking medications within 5 days did not show significant gastrointestinal symptoms, and the treatment process went relatively smoothly [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Hence, early mNGS or other molecular biology tests (such as Mp1p assessment) should be conducted on transplant patients with unexplained fever, cough, rash, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and prophylactic medication should be implemented to prevent disease deterioration and improve prognosis.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections such as T. marneffei infection has been increasing year by year due to long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs after kidney transplantation as well as the spread of pathogenic microorganisms caused by population movement and the genovariation of the pathogens themselves [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Thus, we absolutely cannot ignore the possibility of T. marneffei infection in non-HIV patients in nonendemic areas. What’s more, the risk of fatal gastrointestinal bleeding can be significantly increased in kidney transplant patients with T. marneffei infection because of the long-term side effects of post-transplant medications. Hence, strengthening clinical awareness and using mNGS, mass spectrometry, and other technologies to improve the detection rate and early diagnosis of T. marneffei are crucial for clinical treatment. Balancing antifungal therapy, immunosuppression, and preventive measures against bleeding to achieve the safest and most effective treatment for patients requires tailored and rational personalized treatment plans based on individual patient conditions.

Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Abbreviations

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Alanine aminotransferase

Aspertate aminotransferase

C-reactive protein

Computed tomography

Epstein-barr virus

Galactomannan

Human immunodeficiency virus

Herpes simplex virus 1

Liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing

Procalcitonin

Primary immunodeficiency disease

T-cell receptor

• Talaromyces marneffei

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Acknowledgements

Authors thank the patient and his family members for allowing us to understand her condition and write this case report.

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Shanshan Yang, Shuhong Ma, Lanxiang Rong, Ying Liu, Qing Ai & Xu Shi

Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China

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Contributions

S.X. designed the paper, drafted and revised the manuscript. Y.S., M.S., R.L. and L.Y. did the fungal identification tests. S.X. and A.Q. conceived the study and developed the search strategy. L.L. and W.H. carried out the clinical treatment and management of the patient. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise

• Ahmet Kurtoğlu 1 ,
• Alkame Akgümüş 2 ,
• Ahmet Balun 2 ,
• Engin Aydın 3 ,
• Ertuğrul Kurtoğlu 4 ,
• Bekir Çar 5 ,
• Nurettin Konar 5 ,
• Özgür Eken 6 &
• Hadi Nobari 7 , 8  

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders volume  24 , Article number:  237 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Some individuals who go to fitness centers for various purposes perform resistance exercise (RE) alone, while others engage in combined exercise (CE) by including cardio exercises along with RE. Studying the effects of these two different training methods on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical function is an important step toward understanding the effects of different types of exercise on cardiac function. This knowledge has significant implications for public health, as it can inform the development of targeted and effective exercise programs that prioritize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the LV systolic and diastolic parameters of athletes who engage in RE and CE using ECHO, to contribute to the growing body of literature on the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise. Forty-two amateur athletes aged between 17 and 52 were included in our study. The participants consisted of the RE ( n  = 26) group who did only resistance exercise during the weekly exercise period, and the CE group ( n  = 16) who also did cardio exercise with resistance exercises. After determining sports age (year), weekly exercise frequency (day), and training volume (min) in addition to demographic information of RE and CE groups, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial functions were determined by ECHO. Findings from our study revealed that parameters including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ( p  = .008), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) ( p  = .020), stroke volume index (SV-I) ( p  = .048), conduit volume (CV-I) ( p  = .001), and aortic strain (AS) ( p  = .017) were notably higher in the RE group compared to the CE group. Also left atrial active emptying volüme (LAAEV) of CE was higher than the RE group ( p  = .031). In conclusion, the cardiac parameters of the RE group showed more athlete’s heart characteristics than the CE group. These results may help to optimize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise routines while minimizing the potential risks associated with improper training.

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Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity today [ 1 ]. Sport is an important phenomenon in the rehabilitation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Chronic exercise causes some improvements and some morphological changes in the heart [ 2 ]. Athlete’s heart refers to electrophysiological, structural, and functional myocardial adaptations associated with continuous training stimuli without pathological significance [ 3 ]. Regular physical training leads to an increase in left ventricular (LV) cavity size and mass (LVM) due to increased wall thickness, with adaptations occurring in endurance athletes with the greatest volume and exercise intensity [ 4 ]. In general, in the athlete’s heart, an enlargement of the left and right ventricles by 10–15% and of the left ventricular wall thickness by 10–20% is observed [ 5 ]. Echocardiographic findings can help to identify adaptive and exercise-induced cardiac changes associated with underlying pathology. Researchers have been studying these changes in cardiac structure and function for many years, as they are important for understanding the effects of exercise on the heart [ 6 ].

The wide range of cardiovascular hemodynamic changes requires classification into two main categories: static and dynamic, with several differences depending on the sport. Resistance exercise is generally characterized by static, short, and strong muscle contractions. Static sports lead to an increase in systemic vascular resistance, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) to maintain cardiac output, which eventually manifests as concentric LV hypertrophy [ 7 ]. On the other hand, dynamic and endurance activities such as running are characterized by repeated contractions and relaxations of the large skeletal muscles. Dynamic exercise results in an increase in HR, an increase in stroke volume (SV), and an increase in SBP while decreasing systemic vascular resistance and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) to maintain adequate oxygen delivery [ 8 ].

Resistance exercise (RE), also known as weight or strength training, is a specialized form of conditioning to increase muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power. In response to this type of training, both skeletal and cardiac muscles adapt to this condition, resulting in hypertrophy [ 9 ]. However, RE and endurance exercises lead to different changes in the heart. These changes in RE are characterized by an increase in LV wall thickness and no change in the diastole LV cavity [ 10 ]. A study by Longhurst et al. comparing elite endurance athletes and weightlifters reported that LVM increased in both groups compared with the control groups (amateur endurance athletes and weightlifters). However, he concluded that LVM increased more in elite endurance athletes than in elite weightlifters [ 11 ]. Therefore, research has shown that chronic exercise generally increases the aerobic ability of muscles and reduces CO2 at rest. These changes are associated with a slow heartbeat and increased myocardial contractility. The increased muscle oxygenation and hypertrophy with RE leads to higher oxygen perfusion [ 12 ]. Therefore, the increased amount of venous blood returning to the heart increases cardiac contractility via the Starling effect, which also increases the amount of blood leaving the heart. This resulting volume overload causes concentric cardiac remodeling in the heart muscle of resistance exercisers [ 13 ].

In the literature, cardiac morphology is affected by many exercise-related variables. Although there are many studies examining the effects of exercises such as RE on the heart [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], the number of studies examining the changes in LV diastolic and systolic parameters and left atrial (LA) mechanical function in individuals performing cardio exercises on different equipment in fitness centers is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of chronic RE and combined exercise (CE) on cardiac morphologies and to provide some suggestions for updating training content.

Participants

The research sample was selected by simple random sampling method from the participants attending fitness centers [ 17 ]. The differences between the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDV) values (experimental group: 65 ± 5 mL/m 2 , control group: 60 ± 5.2 mL/m 2 ) in the results of the study conducted by Hassanpour Dehkordi and Khaledi Far were taken to determine the minimum sample size in the study [ 2 ]. In the power analysis performed according to the results of this study (α = 0.05 1-β(power) = 0.80, actual power = 81.9) and the effect size was taken as 1.05, it was determined that there should be at least 16 subjects for each group in our study. The study included volunteers who had been attending a fitness center regularly (at least three days per week) for at least 12 months. Participants with hypertension, tachycardia or bradycardia, thyroid disease, heart valve disease, previous surgery for a heart problem, and any comorbidities were excluded, as well as athletes taking caffeine, ephedrine, anabolic steroids, beta-androgenic agonists for performance enhancement. Participants who were found to have a sleep disorder during the study, who did not comply with the researcher’s instructions, or who were found to have health problems during testing were excluded from the study. Accordingly, 42 male amateur participants doing resistance exercises who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups according to the type of training: the RE group ( n  = 26), which performed only resistance exercises, and the CE group ( n  = 16), which combined cardio and resistance exercises. Participants’ time spent in sport (sport age), weekly exercise frequency, and exercise volume were recorded. RE group (sports age: 5.34 ± 7.31 years, weekly exercise frequency: 4.46 ± 1.36 days, daily training volume: 84.03 ± 17.88 s) and CE group (sports age: 7.15 ± 9.47 years, weekly exercise frequency: 4.06 ± 1.12 days, daily training volume: 84.31 ± 28.34 s) sports age, weekly training frequency and training volumes were similar (Table  1 ).

Institutional Review Board Statement: This study was conducted at Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University Health Sciences Institute Non-Interventional Ethics Committee, according to the principles outlined Declaration of Helsinki. Ethics committee approval was obtained from Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University Health Sciences Institute Non-Interventional Ethics Committee Ethics Committee (number: 2022 − 172). All experimental protocols were approved by the Institute’s Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s) agreed to participate in this study.

Study design

In this study, the quantitative data collection technique known as the cross-sectional method was employed. This method involves measuring or observing specific behaviors of individuals from various age groups simultaneously, within the same time frame [ 18 ]. The RE group stated that they did not include cardio exercises (treadmill, elliptical trainer, vertical and horizontal cycling exercises, etc.) in their exercise program. The group CE stated that it includes at least 150 min of cardio exercises per week in addition to resistance exercises. They were asked to attend fully provided they slept at least 8 h before the test and ate at least 2 h before. Before the test, participants were informed that they should not engage in high-intensity sports and should not consume substances such as alcohol and caffeine. After the demographic information and training content of the participants were determined, they were taken to the cardiology department for analysis. After the necessary rest period was given, the DBP, SBP, and HR data of the participants were recorded. ECHO measurements were then performed by the cardiologist.

Training characteristics of RE and CE groups

The RE group worked with free weights and machines as part of resistance exercises. All participants set their own 1 repetition maximum (1-RM). Each participant performed 6–12 repetitions*4 sets with 60–80% of 1-RM. The CE group included cardio exercises for 15–30 min in addition to RE exercises. Within the scope of these exercises, they stated that they worked between 60 and 70% of their HR on the treadmill, horizontal and vertical bicycle. They stated that they performed resistance exercises at the same standards as the RE group (60–80% 1-RM, 6–12 repetitions*4 sets). The exercise programs of the participants were prepared and followed by the expert trainer in the fitness center.

Data Collection

Body surface area.

After determining the demographic characteristics of the participants, such as age, height, and weight, body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula body weight (kg)/height squared (m²). Body surface area (BSA); Calculated according to the formula: Body weight (kg) 0.425 ×Height (cm) 0.725  × 0.007184 [ 19 ].

Echocardiographic examinations

ECHO evaluations were made by a specialist cardiologist in the cardiology clinic. All tests were performed at the same time of day (morning). Participants were asked to take eight hours of sleep before the measurements. At least 3 h before the test, participants were warned not to use food, drink, performance-enhancing products, or products containing caffeine other than water. All ECHO examinations were performed with the Vivid T8 device and the 3ScRS transducer. All measurements were performed following the recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography Guidelines [ 20 ]. Echocardiographic images and recordings were obtained in parasternal long axis, apical four-chamber, and apical two-chamber views in the left decubitus position and at rest [ 21 ]. The following 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic parameters were measured: aortic diameters both in systole (ADs) and diastole (ADd), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd, mm), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVDs), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), and posterior wall thickness (PWT).

Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) were measured in the apical four-chamber view by the modified Simpson method [ 22 ]. Pulsed wave (PW) and early diastolic flow velocity (E), late diastolic flow parameter (A), E/A ratio, ejection time (ET), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), and transmissible flow parameters were measured. To determine the group with stage 2 diastolic dysfunction (pseudonormal), patients performed the Valsalva maneuver, and the measurement was repeated. Tissue Doppler imaging of annulus motion was measured from lateral mitral annulus and peak early systolic (Sm), peak early diastolic (Em), and peak late diastolic (Am) velocities.

Tissue doppler imaging (TDI)

TDI was performed from the LV lateral wall in apical 4-chamber views from the mitral lateral annulus. A clear image signal was obtained by adjusting the TDI filter and Nyquist cutoff to a value of 16–20 cm/s. The left ventricular mass index (LVM-I) was calculated according to the Devereux formula [ 23 ]. Aortic systolic and diastolic diameters were obtained from the recording made after the insertion of the M-mode rod through the area of the ascending aorta 3 cm distal to the aortic valve. Systolic and diastolic diameters were measured in the area corresponding to the R peak of the ECG from the point of maximum forward motion in the aortic curve. The measurements were repeated in three heartbeats and the average value was determined [ 24 ]. Aortic strain (AS) and aortic distensibility (AD) were used as aortic elasticity parameters. The following formulas were used to calculate these parameters [ 25 ]:

Left atrial volumes were calculated from apical four-chamber and two-chamber views using the biplane field length method. Maximum left atrial volume (LAVmax) was measured at the time when the mitral valve was fully open, minimum left atrial volume (LAVmin) was measured at the time when the mitral valve was fully closed, and left atrial volume before systole was measured at the onset of the p wave (LAVp) on the electrocardiogram. All measurements were repeated during three consecutive heartbeats and averaged. The LAVmax index was determined by dividing the maximum volume of the left atrium (LAVmax) by the body surface area. All volumes were then corrected by division by the LAVmax index. Left atrial functions were determined according to the following formula [ 26 ].

Intraobserver and interobserver variability

The absolute mean difference ± SD between measurements within a single observer and between two observers for ADs, 2D STI, and LS were 1.1 ± 1.2% and 1.4 ± 1.4%, respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) were 0.877 and 0.865, respectively.

Blood pressure

Participants’ blood pressure was measured by the cardiologist after 9 min of complete passive rest. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured with a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer (Erka Perfect Aneroid / Germany) [ 27 ].

Statistical analysis

Data were reported as mean ± SD. Data analysis was carried out by the SPSS (version 25.0) program. The Shapiro-Wilk test stated the data were normally distributed. Also, according to Mauchly’s test, variances were determined to be homogeneous for all parameters ( p  > .05). Therefore, sphericity assumed values were taken into account. In the study, an Independent Sample T-test was used for paired group comparisons. In the research, graphical analyses were made using the GraphPad 9 program. The Cohen’s D effect size (ES) was performed to determine the effect magnitude through the difference of two means divided by the standard deviation from the data, and the following criteria were used: ES: 0.2 was accepted as small, 0.5 as medium, and 0.8 as large [ 28 ]. The significance level was interpreted according to p  < .05.

The statistical analyses of this study were conducted using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to control the false discovery rate (FDR) that may result from the results of multiple comparisons. This procedure is a correction method developed to keep the probability of falsely rejecting multiple hypothesis tests low [ 29 ]. In this context, p-values were ranked at the end of the tests. Starting from the lowest p-value, the formula:

was used for each p value. This procedure was used to limit possible false positives in the results and aimed to minimize the increased risk of type-1 error due to multiple comparisons.

Table  1 shows the descriptive information of the participants. Accordingly, there was no difference between RE’s age (27.03 ± 9.88 years), weight (81.53 ± 12.24 kg), height (178.61 ± 4.85 cm), BMI (25.50 ± 3.29 kg/m 2 ), and BSA (2.00 ± 0.16) and CE’ age (28.00 ± 11.52 years), weight (78.12 ± 12.53 kg), height (178.56 ± 6.97 cm), BMI (24.38 ± 2.57 kg/m 2 ), and BSA (1.92 ± 0.28) ( p  > .05).

Table  2 shows the statistical results of the participants’ SBP, DPB, HR, and routine ECHO parameters. Accordingly, LVEDD ( p  = .008, t = 2.805, ES: 0.84), SV-I ( p  = .048, t = 2.039, ES: 0.97), and LVEDV ( p  = .020, t = 2.415, ES: 0.75) in the RE group was significantly higher than the CE group. However, SBP, DBP, HR, ADs, ADd, LVESD, LVESV, IVST, and PWT values were similar between the two groups ( p  > .05).

Table  3 shows the ECHO results of the systolic and diastolic functions of the participants. According to this, there was no difference between groups in terms of E, A, ET, IVCT, IVRT, Em, Am, Sm, LVEF, E/A ratio, and E/Em among participants ( p  > .05).

Table  4 shows the participants’ atrial functions. Accordingly, CV -I ( p  = .008, t = 2.797, ES:0.87) was higher in the RE group than in the CE group. However, LAAEV-I scores were higher in the CE group ( p  = .031, t=-2.230, ES: 0.67). There were no differences between groups in LAPEV-I, LAPEF-I, LAAEF-I, LATEV-I, LATEF-I, LAmin-I, LAP -I, LAmax-I, LVM-I, and AD scores ( p  > .05).

Table  5 shows the results of the aortic stiffness and flexibility of the participants. Accordingly, the results of AS ( p  = .032, t = 2.217, ES:0.75) were higher in the RE group than in the CE group. AD was similar between the two groups ( p  > .05).

Figure  1 shows the parameters that differed in the ECHO results of the RE and CE groups. Accordingly, LVEDD ( p  = .008, t = 2.805, ES: 0.84), LVEDV ( p  = .020, t = 2.415, ES: 0.75), SV-I ( p  = .048, t = 2.039, ES: 0.97), CV -I ( p  = .008, t = 2.797, ES:0.87), and AS ( p  = .032, t = 2.217, ES:0.75) were significantly higher in the RE group than in the CE group. However, LAAEV-I scores were higher in the CE group ( p  = .031, t=-2.230, ES: 0.67).

Differences between ECHO parameters of RE and CE groups

In our study, the results for LVDd, LVEDV, SV -I, CV -I, and AS were higher in the RE than in CE. Also, LAAEV was higher in CE. From a physiological point of view, long-term hemodynamic changes during exercise induce both LV internal size (LV dilation) and LV hypertrophy to normalize LV wall tension. LV dilation and LV hypertrophy may be marked enough to mimic a pathological condition, but LV systolic and diastolic functions are normal or even above normal, which is a very natural feature of the athlete’s heart [ 30 ].

Chronic exercise is known to affect systolic [ 2 ] and diastolic [ 31 ] parameters. The changes in these parameters vary depending on the intensity, duration, and type of exercise [ 32 ]. During heavy resistance exercise, there is a significant increase in arterial blood pressure [ 33 ]. Cardiac output also increases. As a result, a slight increase in LVDd is observed [ 34 ]. It was found that systolic and diastolic parameters and cardiac output increased in individuals who combined exercises such as cycling, rowing, and cross-country skiing with resistance exercise. This excessive pressure exercise increases LVDd even more [ 35 ]. In a study by Keul et al., it was found that LVDd was higher in strength athletes than in long and middle-distance runners [ 36 ]. Although combined exercise should increase diastolic function more, it was found in our study that LVDd was higher in the RE group. In this case, it can be assumed that the intensity of cardio exercises performed in the CE group did not impose a burden on the heart. In a meta-analysis that examined the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on cardiovascular factors, a systematic review study by Liang et al., the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercises on cardiovascular risk factors were examined. According to the results of this study, it was reported that combined exercises were the most effective method in minimizing cardiac risk factors, while aerobic exercises had minimal effect. It was concluded that future studies need more study results for resistance exercises [ 37 ]. Evaluating the results of this study and the results of our study, we think that the structural changes expected as a result of endurance training in the heart did not occur, because the exercises performed by the group CE in addition to the RE exercises were of low intensity.

A relationship between the athlete’s heart and systolic and diastolic functions has been confirmed. The diastolic functions of the athlete’s heart are manifested by a low A wave, a high Em wave, and a lower E/Em ratio [ 38 ]. Elevated LV and confirmed SV -I for body surface area reflect systolic recovery [ 39 ]. A meta-analysis by Pluim et al. concluded that there was no significant difference in LVEF between endurance athletes and bodybuilders [ 40 ]. In our study, SV-I results were higher in the RE group than in the CE group. Although there was no difference between the groups in terms of LVEF, a positive correlation was found between LV and EF. In this case, it may show that the systolic parameters of the RE group are also positively affected. In a study by Seals et al., it was concluded that high-intensity exercise contributes to the development of LV in older elite athletes who have undergone endurance training [ 41 ].

In the study conducted by Andersen et al., systolic and diastolic indicators such as the E/Em ratio were analyzed as an estimate of Em, Sm, and left ventricular filling pressure [ 42 ], E increased significantly in both groups after sixteen weeks of football, and track and field training, noting that IVRT and Am scores decreased. However, it was observed that this change was greater in football players [ 43 ]. According to the results of our study, systolic and diastolic parameters (Em, Am, Sm, E/Em ratio) were similar to those reported in the literature and no significant difference was found between the two groups (RE, CE). Considering that resistance training increases aerobic capacity [ 1 ] and, accordingly, peak oxygen consumption and systolic parameters increase [ 44 ], the reason why the systolic and diastolic parameters of the RE group were better than those of the CE group is that the CE group could show that the groups training does not exert resistance on the heart.

With increasing age, significant changes occur in the cardiovascular system in apparently healthy people. There is thickening and hardening of the large arteries due to the loss of elastic fibers, collagen, and calcium deposits in the middle layer [ 45 ]. As a result of these arterial changes, SBP increases with age. Wall thickening occurs in the left ventricle due to cell hypertrophy [ 46 ]. LVD functions are preserved with age, the early diastolic filling rate decreases by 30–50% between the ages of 30–40 years [ 47 ]. These age-related cardiac changes can be ameliorated by physical activity. Acute and chronic exercise, on the other hand, elicit different responses in the cardiovascular system depending on age [ 48 ]. During acute exercise in healthy, sedentary individuals, SV increases by 20–30% [ 49 ]. As exercise intensity increases, LV develops in parallel [ 50 ]. In our study, it was found that SV -I values were significantly higher in the RE group. This indicates that in the RE group, due to muscle hypertrophy resulting from resistance exercise [ 51 ], the energy required by the muscles was provided by an increase in systolic parameters.

Aortic stiffness reflects the mechanical tension and elasticity of the aortic wall. Increased stiffness of the great arteries is an important determinant of adverse cardiovascular outcomes [ 25 ]. O’Rourke et al. reported that changes in vascular tone, smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and increased collagen synthesis lead to an increase in arterial stiffness [ 52 ]. In addition, in physically inactive individuals, large artery function in the cardiothoracic region may decrease with age [ 53 ]. However, aerobic exercise such as endurance sports is known to be an important method of preventing arterial stiffness [ 54 ]. Arterial stiffness did not change with less strenuous exercise [ 55 ]. The aorta is responsible for most of the total arterial stiffness [ 56 ]. Previous studies have cited AD and AS as the best predictors of subclinical arterial stiffness, and there is an inverse relationship between arterial stiffness and AS [ 57 ]. In our study, AS was significantly higher in the RE group. These results may resolve the uncertainties reported in previous studies [ 55 ] regarding arterial stiffness during resistance training.

In our study, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of left LVM and IVST. According to the Morganroth hypothesis, endurance training leads to eccentric LV hypertrophy (increase in LV cavity diameter at increased LVM) as a result of volume loading and increased diastolic wall stress [ 58 ]. Conversely, resistance training results in concentric LV hypertrophy (increased wall thickness with no change in cavity size) as a result of pressure loading and increased systolic wall stress [ 59 ]. Data from Italian screening programs reported LV dilatation and LV hypertrophy in a large cohort of young athletes studied by ECHO. Although LVDd varied widely, most athletes were above normal, whereas only a small percentage had an IVST > 12 mm [ 60 ]. Standard ECHO plays an important role in distinguishing physiological from pathological LV hypertrophy. In the 1309 athlete series in different disciplines, 55% of endurance athletes have increased LVDd and only 15% have a value > 60 mm, almost always with normal EF. Most of the 947 top athletes had an IVST ≤ 12 mm. Only 1.7% had an IVST > 13 mm (range = 13–16 mm). While an increase in LVM in athletes is usually associated with a normal EF at rest, HR may be normal or increased as a result of increased preload (LVDd) [ 61 ].

Previous studies examined left atrial (LA) size and athletic activity in athletes and found that left atrial enlargement depended on the type of exercise (the greatest change occurred with combined exercise: Endurance and strength exercises) [ 62 ]. Although the LA is known as a transport space that carries blood from the pulmonary veins to the LV during active and passive diastolic filling, it also has many physiological functions and acts as a volume sensor. It is well known that LA size is an important indicator of mortality and morbidity in cardiomyopathy, LV dysfunction, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and arrhythmias [ 63 ]. Like the LV in LA also remodels after endurance exercise [ 64 ]. However, an important aspect is that LA reserve helps modulate LV filling pressure both at rest and during exercise [ 65 ]. Although the mechanisms of atrial development are not fully known [ 66 ], some sources indicate that the LA develops anterior to the LV in response to exercise [ 67 ]. Pellicia et al. found a prevalence of LA enlargement in athletes, a slight increase in LA anteroposterior diameter in 18% of athletes, significant dilation in 2%, and a close relationship between LA diameter and LA cavity [ 68 ]. In a study by Lakatos et al. comparing left atrial morphology in elite athletes with sedentary subjects, it was found that LATEF and LAAEF were lower in athletes [ 69 ]. A recent meta-analysis also found that both LA reservoir and contractile functions were lower in athletes [ 70 ]. In our study, LAAEF was significantly higher in the CE group than in the RE group. When participants’ left atrial functions are assessed according to the results of the study by Lakatos et al’, the LAAEV results of the CE group show that they do not have the characteristics of an athlete’s heart compared with the literature. Although no significant difference was found, the LAP -I and LATEV-I results had a moderate effect size and were higher in the CE group.

Our research is a study in which training loads and exercise intensities were analyzed according to the participants’ statements. This is one of the important limitations of our study. Therefore, research can be conducted on how the cardiac remodeling of the participants is shaped after chronic exercise. Another important limitation of this study is that it is cross-sectional in nature using a single time point. Therefore, in future randomised controlled trials, the changes in resistance exercises and aerobic exercise on cardiac morphology can be analysed in detail.

In conclusion, in our study, it was found that systolic and diastolic parameters were higher in the RE group than in the CE group. In addition, a significant increase in LAAEF in the CE group is indicative of an increase in active LA functions. Other findings on LA functions supported the increase in LAAEF in the CE group, although there was no significant difference. In addition, the higher systolic and diastolic parameters such as LVDd, LVEDV, SV -I, and CV -I in the RE group confirmed that the RE group had shown more athletes’ heart [ 71 ]. In the literature, combined exercise with resistance exercise is more effective on cardiac functions [ 33 , 37 , 72 ], but in our study, indices of cardiac functions were lower in the CE group than in the RE group. It is believed that this is because the CE group kept the exercise intensity of cardio training equipment such as treadmills, elliptical bikes, and vertical and horizontal bikes lower in the exercises they performed. For this reason, athletes who visit a fitness center can update their programs in the presence of a sports professional. In addition, the level of physical fitness of these people can be monitored at regular intervals and their development can be analyzed. Individuals who attend the fitness centre for different purposes can update their training programs and intensities according to the results of our research.

Data availability

Data are available for research purposes upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

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Ahmet Kurtoğlu

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Alkame Akgümüş & Ahmet Balun

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Engin Aydın

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Ertuğrul Kurtoğlu

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Hadi Nobari

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Conceptualization, A.K; methodology, A.K., A.A., and A.B.; formal analysis, A.K., E.A., and E.K.; data curation, A.K., A.A., B.Ç., N.K., Ö.E.; writing—original draft preparation, A.K., A.A., A.B., E.A., E.K., B.Ç., N.K., Ö.E.; writing—review and editing, A.K., A.A., A.B., E.A., E.K., B.Ç., N.K., Ö.E., H.N.; Funding; H.N.; All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Kurtoğlu, A., Akgümüş, A., Balun, A. et al. Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 24 , 237 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-024-03908-w

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-024-03908-w

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• Resistance exercise
• Combined exercise
• Echocardiography
• Left atrial function
• Systolic function
• Diastolic function

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