Functional Capacity Evaluation
Description
A functional capacity evaluation is a test created to measure a patient’s function post-injury. The evaluation is a 4-hour test designed to compare baseline data, document existing impairments, and determine a patient’s current functional limitations. It is designed to help a physician determine return-to-work or disability status. The FCE consists of various tests to determine lifting/carrying capabilities in various positions. The evaluation tests functional activities of bending, crouching, kneeling, shoulder reach, overhead reach, climbing stairs, balancing, ladder climb, crawling, and walking. There is also a validity score to determine validity of the client’s performance during the evaluation.