Title: Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Headings: Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
9 Articles in Volume 10, Issue #4
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Selecting The Appropriate Test
FCEs Current Scope
Measurement Properties of the FCE
Responsiveness and Reliability of the FCE
Impairment/Disability Testing
Conclusion

Content: It is important to distinguish these most basic parameters since they are the foundation of the next level test—the FCE, or functional capacity evaluation. This test examines functional limitations that are defined by more complex multi-joint movements that require neuromuscular synergy to form integrated and purposeful patterns aimed at task completions and could be anything from climbing stairs to lifting a box or sweeping the floor. Within the context of an occupational setting, the term WCE or work capacity evaluation implies a work related FCE since the test evaluates the person’s ability to perform work-related functional tasks, as opposed to home or recreation/social activities of daily living. Selecting The Appropriate Test
In our practice, we find that different groups request different tests depending on their needs. For example, attorneys want both impairment data (PCE) and functional data (FCE) in no fault cases, but FCE and WCE data in workman’s compensation litigation. In social security determinations, the data requested is primarily FCE-oriented. Our case managers who deal with occupational injury/disease need specific WCE data that is an occupationally-oriented FCE. I have made the distinction between a generic versus specific FCE because one of the real problem areas with FCEs has been poor test selection—i.e., using a generic FCE when the situation warrants a specific FCE based on essential job demands—gathered using a valid job description and/or a job site analysis. When a general (generic) versus a specific FCE is used to make a return to work determination, the end result can be suboptimal.