Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are performance-based assessments designed to determine current capacity to perform activities while considering the individual’s body structures and functions, environmental and personal factors, and health status (Soer et al. 2008a). FCEs are used in occupational, insurance, and rehabilitation medicine to inform determinations of work readiness. Various FCE protocols are used and may differ in purpose, but typically the evaluations play a role in facilitating work reintegration. FCEs involve medical and work history, questionnaires, physical examination, and a series of assessment items including manual handling (lifting and carrying), position tolerance testing, and mobility and coordination tests. To make return-to-work decisions, clinicians compare demonstrated capacity to required job demands. A patient whose capacity meets or exceeds job demands is deemed suitable for sustainable performance of those tasks at the workplace. If.
