What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive, performance-based assessment that measures an individual’s physical abilities and functional limitations. The FCE provides objective data to evaluate safe and effective functional performance following injury, illness, or medical condition.
Justice Consulting & FCE utilizes a whole-person approach to this process, incorporating functional impact on work, self-care, home management, and leisure/social tasks following injury, illness, and/or other medical conditions.
Why Is an FCE Important?
Provides clear, evidence-based information to guide decisions regarding:
- Return-to-work readiness
- Work restrictions or accommodations
- Job modifications
- Disability or impairment ratings
- Vocational planning
- Personal injury cases
Who Needs an FCE?
An FCE provides strong, supportive documentation for:
- Individual injured on the job
- Workers Compensation cases
- Disability determination cases
- Return to work decisions
- Pre-employment testing
- Personal injury cases
What does an FCE measure?
- Strength
- Range of Motion
- Balance
- Carrying capacity
- Push/pull force
- Sitting
- Standing
- Climbing
- Kneeling
- Bending
- Functional mobility
- Upper extremity function
- Handling and gripping
- Reaching
- Fine motor coordination
- Repetitive task tolerance
- Activity tolerance
- Ability to sustain tasks over time
- Cardiovascular response to activity
- Results are often compared to job demands and categorized using physical demand levels defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, Very Heavy work). Impairment ratings are included based on range of motion model
How Long Does an FCE Take?
Most FCEs last 4 to 6 hours, depending on the referral question and complexity of the case. Some evaluations may be completed in one session, while others are divided into two shorter sessions.
The therapist ensures the evaluation is safe, monitors effort levels, and uses standardized validity measures to ensure accurate results.
What to Expect During the FCE.
During an FCE, you can expect:
- A detailed medical and work history review
- Physical examination and baseline measurements
- Structured functional testing
- Ongoing monitoring for safety and consistency
- Professional documentation and a comprehensive report
The evaluation is not designed to cause harm or push someone beyond safe limits. Safety and objectivity are priorities throughout the process.
What Happens After the FCE?
After testing is complete, the occupational therapist prepares a detailed written report that includes:
- Objective test results
- Observed functional abilities
- Work capacity level
- Recommended restrictions (if needed)
- Clinical impressions
This report is typically sent to the referring attorney, physician, case manager, or requesting party.
Hard to decide?
Why Choose an Occupational Therapist for an FCE?
Occupational therapists specialize in analyzing how various physical abilities and functional limitations impact routine daily activities and job performance. Their training in biomechanics, ergonomics, and functional task analysis makes them uniquely qualified to evaluate work capacity and recommend practical solutions that promote safe participation in meaningful activities.
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Contact us today to learn more about our FCE services or to schedule an evaluation.