Functional Capacity Evaluation

NB: Interchangeable terms commonly used in the field include:

Work Capacity Evaluation

Physical Capacity Evaluation

Cognitive Capacity Evaluation (brain injury specific FCE)

Functional Outcomes provides comprehensive assessment of an individual's capacity to dependably perform work and routine daily activities. A combination of standardized tests and work/activity simulation tests are used to identify function.

This type of assessment is applicable to individuals with a wide range of diagnoses and levels of function including: orthopaedic, brain injury, psychological, soft tissue and musculoskeletal injury, and chronic pain.

Functional capacity testing takes place in a clinic setting where the individual is evaluated on tasks that require a wide range of physical, cognitive, and generic work and daily living skills.

In cases of brain injury, given the unique implications of this type of injury, a specific battery of tests is administered over a 2 day period.

A Cost of Future Care Evaluation may also be requested in combination with a Functional Capacity Evaluation for efficiency and cost effectiveness to the referral source.

FCE testing is used to identify the following:

• The client’s ability to return to his or her pre-injury occupation
• The client's residual functional abilities and limitations related to work, leisure, and household activity
• Next-step rehabilitation options for the client
• Conclusions are also made regarding the client’s level of physical effort during testing and the consistency of the client's subjective reports of pain and disability in comparison to the objective test findings.