Functional Capacity Evaluation

The functional capacity evaluation involves a comprehensive objective assessment of a worker's functional abilities and limitations, to determine an injured worker's ability to perform essential work tasks.

The FCE enables assessment of a person’s current safe working tolerances and limitations in relation to their current or proposed position, plus identification of areas of weakness to target during work conditioning.

The FCE can also recommend need for education with respect to injury management (e.g. manual handling training) in order to achieve a successful return to work outcome.

A functional capacity evaluation may test for the following physical tolerances:

• Lifting
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Standing
• Sitting
• Walking
• Crouching
• Kneeling
• Upper extremity strength and dexterity
• Strength
• Range of motion
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Work simulation of specific work tasks