Searching the LILACS database for Portuguese- and Spanish-language randomized trials in physiotherapy was difficult

ABSTRACT

Evidence-based practice requires access to systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials; however, most literature databases index primarily English-language journals. We sought to determine the extent and quality of Portuguese- and Spanish-language reports of randomized trials relevant to physiotherapy by searching the LILACS database (Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde). A secondary aim was to compare the sensitivity of three strategies for searching for Portuguese- and Spanish-language randomized trials in physiotherapy.