What is Functional Testing?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an evaluation conducted by a physical or occupational therapist.  It is generally used to help determine a person’s ability to perform specific tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, reaching, sitting, walking and gripping.  The test may help determine a person’s ability to return to work, establish return to work restrictions, assist in disability filing, or to help determine need for further therapy before returning to work.  An FCE may also be carried out to determine if a person is capable of performing essential job functions for a position that has been offered.

Persons who are referred for functional testing are often anxious about the fairness of testing. Our equipment, monitoring and trained testing staff allow us to clearly define and document limitations and abilities. The BTE Medical Evaluation and Rehabilitation System is very highly rated for fairness and accuracy.

What to expect during the FCE?

The therapist conducting the exam will take a history of past and current complaints and ask about work history or job demands.  Resting blood pressure and heart rate are taken prior to testing to make sure testing is safe to continue.  Depending on the purpose of the FCE, various tests will be conducted over the course of 2-5 hours.  These may include grip tests, lift tests, positional tolerance tests, walking, pushing, pulling, or stair climbing.  Tests are conducted with constant heart rate monitoring.  The therapist will ask for pain levels and perceived exertion throughout testing.  Safety is emphasized throughout testing to reduce any risk for injury.

What to bring?

If the FCE is to determine ability to perform a specific job it is helpful to the therapist to bring a job description from the employer.  Please wear appropriate clothing for physical activity.

If the exam is for Post Offer Employment Testing, bring a photo ID and wear appropriate clothing for physical activity.

If the FCE is for disability and a Physical Capacities Estimation form needs to be filled out, please bring it to your appointment or have it faxed to the office prior to your appointment.  The therapist will fill out the physical capacities portion of the form and send it to the referring physician for completion.  Please wear clothing appropriate for physical activity.

The therapist conducting the evaluation will answer any further questions you may have prior to testing.

Precise Physical Function Measurement

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This technology-driven, evidence-based testing service measures physical and functional capacity to perform the physical elements of work defined by the Department of Labor and used by the Social Security Administration. The measurements are consistent with the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and O*NET.