Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)

What is an FCE/FAE?

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) or functional abilities evaluation (FAE), subjectively and objectively determines the client’s functional abilities and limitations based on range of motion, strength, dexterity and other measured performance.

A ‘Functional Capacity Evaluation’ is designed to systematically assess an examinee’s capabilities and limitations via a set of testing protocols that are evidenced-based.  The testing protocols of an FCE are designed to comprehensively assess the examinee’s functional abilities and/or limitations.  These testing protocols are comprised of a range of recognized functional assessment tools (i.e. Arcon & Matheson) for assessing the physical abilities required to perform work in a specific occupation and/or the examinee’s current functional ability.  This comprehensive method of assessing physical abilities, designed to provide a profile of the examinee’s physical work-tolerance in accordance with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and the Career Handbook, includes the following components:

• Vision & Hearing;
• Gross Mobility Tolerances (Stooping, Kneeling, and Crouching);
• Reaching Abilities (Low Level Reaching, Forward Reaching, and High Level Reaching);
• Agility Tolerances (Balance/Coordination and Stair Climbing);
• Manual Dexterity (Griping, Pinching, and Handling/Fingering);
• Static Strength (Pushing & Pulling);
• Vertical Manual Material Handling (Floor to Knuckle, Knuckle to Shoulder, and Floor to Shoulder,);
• Horizontal Manual Material Handling (Bilateral Carrying, and Pushing/Pulling);
• Cardiovascular Fitness Capabilities (CAFT Stepping Test);
• Musculoskeletal Evaluation Test (Ranges of Motion of the Spine & Joints);
• Postural Tolerances (Sitting, Standing, and Walking);
• Manual Muscle Testing (Performed only if weakness is identified)
• Spinal Function Sort (SFS).

Two day FCE are also available and differs from a one day FCE in that it repeats the physical testing on a second consecutive day. This gives a clearer picture of function, symptom tolerance and is particularly useful in claimants who suffer from delayed onset of pain post physical activity.

Why choose an FCE/FAE?

Functional Capacity Evaluations are used by insurance companies, the government, medical legal community as well as the private sector to determine a claimant’s limitations, abilities, sincerity of effort and ability to return to work and daily life activities.

Pre/Post Offer Employment Testing (POETS)

Complete custom medical screening designed for new employees as well as periodical medicals for current workers. Testing includes, vision, hearing, spirometry range of motion, static/dynamic strength, dexterity, handling, sustained positions, cardiovascular/blood pressure testing, hand grip, pinch grip etc.

Job/Physical Demands Analysis (JDA/PDA)

A custom onsite assessment for the demands of a specific work place and position. This is used as a reference to future functional screens of new employees being testing in a POET or existing employees returning to work from an injury and being screened via and FCE/FAE.