Appendix.

Criteria for appropriate subgrouping of athletes in stage I.

Manipulation	No symptoms distal to the knee (Figure 1) Symptom duration ≤ 16 days Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire–Work subscale ≤ 19 Lumbar hypomobility (Figure 2): The examiner provides a posterior-anterior force on each spinous process, assessing for relative differences in mobility and symptom reproduction Hip internal rotation ≥ 35°, at least 1 side (Figure 3): The examiner assesses prone hip internal rotation using a bubble inclinometer placed on the distal portion of the fibula
Specific exercise (extension/lateral shift)	Symptoms distal to the buttock (Figure 4) Directional preference for extension Symptoms peripheralize with flexion Centralization of symptoms with extension (Figure 5) Visible frontal plane deviation (Figure 6) Directional preference for lateral translational movements (Figure 7)
Stabilization	Age ≤ 40 years Straight leg raise ≥ 91° (Figure 8): While maintaining the knee in an extended position, the examiner passively flexes to the hip Aberrant motions: thigh climbing, reversal of lumbopelvic rhythm, painful arc, or “instability catch” Positive prone instability test (Figure 9)
Traction	Presence of leg symptoms (Figure 10) Signs of nerve root compression: myotomal, dermatomal, and/or deep tendon reflex abnormalities Peripheralization with extension (Figure 11) Positive crossed straight leg raise (Figure 12): While maintaining the contralateral knee in extension, the examiner passively flexes the contralateral hip