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Functional Capacity Evaluation

Evaluation Protocol

The Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) administered by Andersen Physical Therapy, Inc. is based on nationally recognized and standardized tests. The FCE is conducted over a two-day, six-hour period. To achieve the most objective findings, we use the kinesiophysical method of testing. By using a therapist skilled in musculoskeletal function, this test allows us - not the worker - to evaluate precise physical and functional abilities. We can then determine when, and in what capacity, that worker can return to work. The participant’s ability to perform specific physical demands over a length of time is provided through an informed and reasonable inference and judgment based on observation.

The FCE assists the physician in determining return-to-work status. The FCE objectively measures physical and functional abilities, thus providing safe limits for work activities such as lifting, bending, and/or carrying, as well as providing a means for monitoring work levels and habits. The FCE also provides objective data to establish the employee's physical and functional level prior to vocational rehabilitation, thereby decreasing the risk of inappropriate rehabilitation referrals.

Required frequency of functional activities and lifting capacities are based on standards provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Work Practice Guide for Manual Lifting (U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service).

Functional limitations determined by the FCE fall into five categories: (1) de-conditioning limitations, (2) body mechanics limitations (3) possible structural limitations, (4) unreliable behavior and/or sub-maximum effort and (5) objective and/or subjective pain. These categories are defined as follows:​

  1. De-conditioning Limitations: The inability of an individual to meet the physical requirements of a job due to decreased muscle strength, endurance, or cardiovascular endurance.

  2. Body Mechanics Limitations: The lack of knowledge and/or technical skills that are required to do the physical job task in a safe and efficient manner in order to prevent self-induced physical trauma.

  3. Possible Structural Limitations: A physical limitation related to an anatomical structure (e.g. disc pathology, cartilage, ligamentous etiology).

  4. Unreliable Behavior and/or Sub-maximum Effort: A conscious or unconscious effort to underachieve functional capabilities.

  5. Objective and/or Subjective Pain: Limitation in functional activity due to perceived and reported pain (e.g. organic, inorganic, psychological, emotional etiology).

Purpose and Objectives

A. Job-site Analysis

  1. To gather data on a job, for development of a treatment plan, or a work hardening program

  2. To compare an injured worker’s functional abilities with job task demands, in an effort to facilitate RTW or document incompatibility

  3. To recommend modification to equipment or work habits to enhance an employee’s tolerance to performing job tasks

  4. To assess options for “reasonable accommodation”

  5. To assess equipment and environmental factors, i.e. specific tools

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B. Ergonomic Analysis

  1. To identify causes of Ergonomic Stress and to develop strategies for control

  2. To develop functional job descriptions

  3. To design pre-placement/post-offer screening programs

  4. To obtain exposure data for epidemiological studies

  5. To determine rest/recovery times

  6. To improve production via work methods or quality

  7. To develop training methods

  8. To design rotational schedules

  9.  OSHA may require it as a basis for implementation of engineering or administrative changes

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