AIMThe situation of four Chinese core journals of physiology was summarized. The article also analyzed the deficiency of the periodical in order to provide better service for readers.

METHODSLiterature metrology method was used to analyze the published papers and cited papers carried in four Chinese core journals of physiology.

RESULTSThe quantity of published papers in Chinese journal of Applied Physiology was higher than that in Acta Physiologica Sinica and Progress in Physiological Sciences but was lower than that in Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology. In 2006, the funding ratio was 61.6%, but was lower than the others'. The impact factor assumed the increasing tendency, but was still lower than the others'. The paper's number and total frequency in periodical which was quoted, was as much as Acta Physiologica Sinica and Progress in Physiological Sciences, but was lower than those in Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology. The rate of high frequency paper quoted was 50%, was higher than the others'.

CONCLUSIONThe Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology has obtained some achievement since publication, but we also find the distance of funding ratio and impact factor compared with other congeneric journals. In summary, we shall try our best to make progress.