Title: What is a Functional Capacity Exam? Learn about them here.
Headings: What is a Functional Capacity Exam?
What is a Functional Capacity Exam?
What are the Components of a Functional Capacity Exam?
Do I Need a Functional Capacity Exam?
Author
Paul Cannon

Content: A Functional Capacity Exam is an assessment that typically begins with a client interview, an evaluation of medical records, and a musculoskeletal screening. Functions that are evaluated during an FCE include: Flexibility
Hand Coordination
Lifting Ability
Physical Strength
Pain Monitoring
Range of Motion
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), “A well-designed Functional Capacity Exam should consist of a battery of standardized assessments that offers results in performance-based measures and demonstrates predictive value about the individual’s return to work.” Functional testing is used to evaluate specific activities that the client previously performed. From positional tolerance to handling abilities, any time an individual needs to evaluate their physical or cognitive capacity, an FCE can be useful. The series of tests included in an FCE may include: Cognitive tests
Dexterity tests
Walking on a treadmill
Handling or manipulating objects
Lifting weights
Do I Need a Functional Capacity Exam? A functional capacity may be necessary when a substantial injury has left someone in a position where they can no longer do some or all of the normal tasks of their job requires. This exam helps medical and legal professionals determine what type of future employment the person can expect to have. When an individual sustains a catastrophic injury, there are many things that must be considered.