Functional capacity evaluation

Abstract

This chapter will examine the typical content and purposes of functional capacity evaluation (FCE), examine the characteristics of useful tests, and evaluate three widely used FCE test batteries. The focus will be on the clinical applicability of the tests and the valid inferences that can be made from testing. More than 800 tests and measures have been identifi ed that have been used to evaluate work-related disability [1]. These tests range from simple single-question rating scales to measure pain intensity, through to comprehensive test batteries made up of a large number of individual tests. A common criticism of the fi eld has been the proliferation of tests without rigorous testing of the measurement properties of the tests and batteries of tests [2-5].