Effects of manual therapy on the infrapatellar fat pad: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the immediate effects of manual therapy on the infrapatellar fat pad. [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy university students were randomly assigned to either the manual therapy group or control group. The manual therapy group received a 3-min manual technique synchronized with knee extension, whereas the control group rested for 5 min. The primary outcome was the gliding velocity of the infrapatellar fat pad, which was assessed using ultrasonography and particle image velocimetry. The secondary outcome measure was the tibial angle of the patellar tendon. [Results] Group difference were observed in the deep-layer gliding velocity of the infrapatellar fat pad; however, consistent immediate changes were not observed following the intervention. No discernible alterations were identified in the superficial layer or in the patellar tendon tibial angle. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that the immediate effects of manual therapy on the infrapatellar fat pad are limited. Further studies with modified intervention conditions and clinical populations are required to clarify their clinical significance.