1: J Occup Rehabil. 2005 Sep;15(3):285-94.

Functional capacity evaluation performance does not predict sustained return to
work in claimants with chronic back pain.

Gross DP, Battié MC.

Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
dgross@ualberta.ca

OBJECTIVES: Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is used to determine
return-to-work readiness. We investigated the ability of the Isernhagen Work
Systems' FCE to predict sustained return-to-work and future pain and disability
in workers' compensation claimants with chronic back pain. METHODS: Prospective
study of 130 claimants undergoing FCE for chronic back problems. FCE indicators
included number of failed tasks and floor-to-waist lift weight. Recovery
indicators included days to suspension of time-loss benefits and future
recurrence. Subjects were contacted after one year to determine pain intensity
and disability. Analysis included Cox and logistic regression. RESULTS: Fewer
failed tasks (HRR 0.94 (0.91-0.98) and higher floor-to-waist lift (HRR 1.38
(1.17-1.62) were associated with faster return-to-work. FCE was not associated
with future recurrence, or reported pain intensity, or disability in subjects
reached for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Better FCE performance was mildly associated 
with indicators of faster return-to-work. However, FCE is not related to
recurrent back problems, future pain intensity, or self-reported disability.

PMID: 16119221 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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