Exploring The Awareness and Application of Maitland's Theory Among Physiotherapists in Southern Libya: A Quantitative and Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

This quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study aims to investigate the awareness and application of Maitland's Theory among physiotherapists in Southern Libya. The research addresses a critical gap in the literature concerning the utilization of Maitland mobilization techniques in the region, given the unique healthcare challenges faced by Libya, particularly in its Southern region. Drawing on a sample size of 380 physiotherapists, data will be collected using a structured questionnaire administered electronically through platforms such as Google Forms. The questionnaire will include sections assessing socio-demographic information, levels of awareness and familiarity with Maitland's Theory, utilization of Maitland mobilization techniques in clinical practice, and perceived barriers to adoption. The study participants will consist of licensed physiotherapists actively engaged in clinical practice across various healthcare settings in Southern Libya. Data analysis will involve descriptive and inferential statistics to summarize demographic characteristics, explore relationships between variables, and identify factors associated with awareness and utilization of Maitland's Theory. The validity and reliability of the research instrument will be ensured through content validity, pilot testing, and test-retest reliability analysis. Ethical considerations will be addressed by obtaining approval from the institutional review board and ensuring participants' informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the current state of physiotherapy practice in Southern Libya, potentially informing targeted interventions to enhance the knowledge and skills of physiotherapists and improve the quality of musculoskeletal care delivery in the region.