Functional Capacity Evaluation
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a standardized assessment of a person's physical capacity to perform work-related activities, typically conducted by an occupational or physical therapist over one or two days.
When it is used
FCEs are used to establish return-to-work capacity, permanent restrictions, and as a foundation for vocational opinion on employability.
Step-by-step
- Obtain referral and medical records
- Perform intake interview, vital signs, pain and symptom baseline
- Administer standardized physical tests (lifting, carrying, reaching, sitting/standing tolerance, etc.)
- Document effort, consistency, and reliability measures
- Report safe maximum demonstrated capacities in DOT/SSA terminology
Data sources
- Standardized FCE systems (ErgoScience, WorkWell, Isernhagen, Matheson, etc.)
- DOT physical demand terminology
- SSA evidentiary guidelines
Limitations
FCE results depend on examinee effort and consistency; reliability measures are included to identify submaximal effort. Results reflect capacity on the day of testing.
Admissibility
Standardized FCEs are broadly accepted when administered by qualified evaluators using validated protocols (King et al., 1998).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an FCE take?
Most FCE protocols run 4-8 hours over one or two days, depending on the system and the referral question.
How do effort and consistency measures work?
Protocols include heart rate response, coefficient of variation across repeated tests, and observed behavior consistency (Genovese & Galper, 2009). Submaximal effort is documented so the report makes clear what the evaluee demonstrated rather than what they may have been able to do.
References
- Genovese, E., & Galper, J. S. (Eds.). (2009). Guide to the evaluation of functional ability: How to request, interpret, and apply functional capacity evaluations. American Medical Association. search.worldcat.orgPeer-Reviewed
- King, P. M., Tuckwell, N., & Barrett, T. E. (1998). A critical review of functional capacity evaluations. Physical Therapy, 78(8), 852-866. doi.orgPeer-Reviewed
- Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Program Operations Manual System (POMS). secure.ssa.govGovernment
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