What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A Functional Capacity evaluation is performed to assess a person's progress throughout the different phases of rehabilitative care. It is also used to determine a person's ability and capability to function within a work environment.

It is an intensive, short term (1-2 hours) evaluation that focuses on major physical tolerance abilities related to musculo-skeletal strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. An individual's tolerance for sitting, standing, walking, lifting and carrying is tested via performing simple tasks with instruments that are interfaced to a computer. Testing also includes, but is not limited to Range of Motion (ROM), weight bearing capacity, hand grip and pinch grip strength.