Table 4.

Stage I subgroup variables.^a

Manipulation	No symptoms distal to the knee Symptom duration ≤ 16 days Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire–Work ≤ 19 Lumbar hypomobility Hip internal rotation ≥ 35°
Specific exercise
Extension	Symptoms distal to the buttock Directional preference for extension Symptoms peripheralize with flexion Centralization with extension
Flexion	Age ≥ 50 years Directional preference for flexion Evidence of spinal stenosis on imaging
Lateral shift	Visible frontal plane deviation Directional preference for lateral translational movements
Stabilization	Age ≤ 40 years Straight leg raise ≥ 91° Aberrant motions + prone instability test
Traction	Presence of leg symptoms Signs of nerve root compression Peripheralization with extension + crossed straight leg raise

^aAdapted from Fritz et al.³⁶