Physical Therapy Resources: Finding Articles
Quick Research Tips
Be Smart and Save Time!
Do not use sentences to search for information. Try using keywords and phrases such as
- Rotator cuff
- shoulder replacement
- hip replacement
Consider putting "" around a phrase. For example: "knee replacement" will retrieve articles where this phrase exists. Just typing: knee replacement, will retrieve articles with the word knee and the word replacement somewhere in the article.
Keep notes on the research databases and the keywords you have used.
Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) when adding a second concept. Example: "spinal stenosis" AND "physical therapy" Both phases must exist in the articles retrieved. OR is useful for synonyms. Example: adolescents OR youth
Scholarly and Trade Journals - the basics
- The articles contain original research such as scientific experiments, surveys and research studies.
- A list of references or sources is provided at the end of each article.
- An editorial board, composed of experts in the field, reviews the articles to determine whether they should be accepted for publication. This is also known as "peer-reviewed," "professional," or "academic".
- The use of specialized vocabulary by discipline is expected.
- Publications contain few, if any, advertisements.
Did You Know?
To find the entire text of an article look for the 
symbol. Clicking on it will automatically generate a search for the entire article in other library resources such as the OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center and LexisNexis Academic.