The intervention group received the MWM technique, which involved the manual application of a sustained translational or rotational glide force, either medial or lateral, on the tibia, while an active partial weight-bearing lunge movement was performed. All glide forces were tested in a randomly pre-established order, and the most effective force for symptom relief and improvement in knee range of motion was selected for the intervention.

In the sham group, the participants underwent a similar procedure to those in the intervention group. The physiotherapist mimicked the pain-reducing glide direction without applying glide force while the participants performed the active lunge movement. To achieve this, the physiotherapist's hands lightly touched the knee skin, with one hand on the tibia and the other on the femur over the joint surfaces. The volume of the sham MWM technique was identical to that of the MWM technique administered to the intervention group.

Manual application of a sustained translational or rotational glide force, either medial or lateral, on the tibia, while an active partial weight-bearing lunge movement was performed.

The Patient-Specific Functional Scale was used to assess self-reported functional ability. This scale is a self-reported, valid, and responsive outcome measure used to quantify activity limitations and evaluate functional outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Participants rated their current level of ability to performing the deep squat test on an 11-point scale at a level experienced prior to injury or change in functional status, where "0" represents "unable to perform" and "10" represents "able to perform at prior level.

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a self-reported, valid, and responsive outcome measure that was used in this study to quantify pain intensity. Participants rated their current pain intensity related to performing the deep squat test on a scale divided into eleven equal parts, numbered consecutively from 0 to 10, where "0" represents "No Pain" and "10" represents "Worst Possible Pain" (the most intense pain imaginable).

This test has been advocated as a useful method for evaluating knee pain and function. Participants began the deep squat test by standing with their feet flat on the floor, approximately shoulder-width apart, aligned in the sagittal plane, and their hands placed on their pelvis (adapted from the original test description). They were then instructed to squat (buttocks towards the heels) as low as possible until the onset of pain, while maintaining an upright torso, avoiding asymmetric weight shift, and keeping their heels and toes in position. Before the test, participants viewed a demonstration video to optimize their understanding of the procedures. Additionally, they were given the opportunity to perform a practice trial of the deep squat test at a pain-free range of motion.