Industrial
Rehabilitation Services: Functional Capacity
Evaluations
An FCE is the comprehensive, objective and functionally oriented
testing of a person’s ability to perform work related tasks.
FCEs are normally requested by physicians, vocational counselors,
case managers, disability management companies or insurance carriers.
It is musculoskeletally oriented, so as performance is rated, it
can be determined whether the person is physically able to do a
particular type of work, whether there are any restrictions of job
tasks that need to be taken at work to prevent re-injury and whether
there are any physical conditions which will make longevity in a
particular occupation hazardous. Workers are also evaluated based
upon effort in testing and inconsistencies are addressed with the
worker at the time of evaluation. The Greenleaf EVAL system is also
utilized to assist in determining consistency of effort with the
5 rung testing, sustained grip and rapid exchange.
Components
of Functional Capacity of Evaluation
- History—Reason for the FCE is explained
to the worker and history of current injury is taken.
- Physical Examination—Baseline physical
assessment is performed looking for physical limitations related
to functional limitations found in testing.
- Functional testing—Assesses workers’
ability to safely perform various lifting activities(floor to
waist, waist to crown level), carrying(two-handed/single handed),
push/pull(dynamic and static), elevated work, forward bending(seated/standing),
unweighted rotation(seated/standing), crawling, kneeling, crouching,
repetitive squat, ambulation, step ladder climbing, stair climbing,
balance, hand coordination, sitting/standing tolerance, grip strength.
The therapist closely supervises all tests and any that are performed
unsafely are corrected. If poor techniques persist then that test
is stopped.
Outcomes
of Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Following physical therapy or work hardening,
the FCE can show that physical abilities are present and match
the essential job functions listed on the job description and
facilitate return to work. The Isernhagen FCE utilizes U.S. Department
of Labor’s job classifications based on physical exertion
in assessing workers’ appropriate return to work level.
- An Isernhagen FCE is a good tool to indicate
whether work hardening is necessary and appropriate. In addition
to showing deficiencies of physical ability, a good FCE also will
show the physical reasons for those deficiencies.
- Physical conditions may be present that prevent
certain tasks from being performed safely. Job modification, work
restrictions or reasonable accommodations can then be instituted
to ensure these unsafe activities are eliminated(e.g. employee
can safely lift 50 lb frequently throughout the day from floor
to waist and can safely lift 35 lb frequently throughout the day
from waist to crown level).
- To determine the extent to which impairments
exist, or the degree of physical disability for compensation purposes.
- The FCE may also be used for setting goals,
planning treatment and monitoring progress in industrial rehabilitation.
Isernhagen providers are credentialed rehabilitative
professionals committed to improving safety at work and effectively
managing injured workers for safe return to work. All PRS staff
performing FCEs are certified by Isernhagen directly.
The objective and standardized format of the Isernhagen
FCE is accepted as evidence in a legal preceding.
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