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 Evaluation (FCE) can be an integral part of this process as it evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform work-related activities and functions. There are two types of FCE used by the United States Social Security Administration: the Physical Functional Capacity Evaluation (PFCE) that measures physical functionality, and the Mental Functional Capacity Evaluation (MFCE) that measures cognitive functionality. Today, most occupational therapists and vocational rehabilitation specialists are qualified to perform and evaluate Functional Capacity Exams. What are the Components of a Functional Capacity Exam? 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.