Functional Capacity Evaluations
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a physical test designed to measure a patient's physical abilities by having him/her perform various activities that simulate on-the-job work. Typically, our patients are injured workers referred by their doctor or caseworker. The FCE is performed over a two-day period and measures the patient's maximum strength and tolerance to specific job-related activities. Abilities tested include balance, coordination, lifting, stair and ladder climbing, sitting and standing tolerance. The goal of the FCE is to get the patient back to work quickly and safely.
Program components include:
- Musculoskeletal evaluation
- Validity of effort testing
- Cardiovascular/endurance testing
- Functional/work tolerance testing
- Functional mobility testing
- Body mechanics assessment
- Observation of employee traits and behaviors
As a benefits of this exam:
- Provides an objective measure of an employee’s validity of effort, assisting in the determination of employees who are “magnifying” symptoms or giving sub maximal effort
- Outlines specific physical demands/work tolerances, validity and worker traits and behavior
- Identifies safe parameters and options for return-to-work