A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a standardized medical assessment used to objectively measure an individual’s physical abilities and limitations, particularly in relation to work tasks and other major life activities. The results are used to determine capacity to return to work and significantly influence workers’ compensation or disability claims. The FCE establishes a quantifiable baseline of what a person can safely do, moving beyond subjective reports of pain or general medical diagnoses.
Defining the Functional Capacity Exam
The primary goal of the FCE is to produce reliable, measurable data that establishes the individual’s “Residual Functional Capacity” (RFC)—what they can still do despite their limitations. This comprehensive, performance-based assessment is administered and interpreted by a trained healthcare professional, most commonly a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist.
FCEs are either job-specific or general-purpose. The job-specific evaluation measures capacity against the precise demands of a previous job, such as lifting frequency or postural requirements. A general-purpose FCE assesses overall physical capabilities against a broad range of typical work tasks, often used when a person cannot return to their former job or when evaluating claims for general disability benefits.
What to Expect During the Examination
The physical examination typically involves standardized tests and work simulations lasting four to eight hours, sometimes split over two consecutive days to assess endurance. A significant portion of the test focuses on material handling, including safely lifting objects from the floor to the waist, shoulder, and overhead, as well as carrying, pushing, and pulling using standardized equipment.
The FCE also evaluates positional tolerances, measuring how long an individual can sustain various postures. This includes testing the duration of sitting, standing, and walking, and the ability to perform repetitive actions like bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling. Throughout the evaluation, the examiner monitors for safety, observing body mechanics, heart rate, and blood pressure, while also documenting self-reported pain levels.
Understanding the FCE Results
The raw data collected during physical testing—such as maximum weight lifted or duration of a sustained posture—is converted into a formal report detailing the individual’s functional limitations. These limitations are articulated in measurable terms, such as “can lift 25 pounds occasionally” or “can sit continuously for 45 minutes.”
A significant part of the report is validity testing, also known as “consistency of effort.” This involves multiple measures, including observational signs and re-testing, to assess whether the individual provided a maximal and reliable effort throughout the evaluation. If performance on repeated tasks varies significantly or if subjective pain reports do not align with objective physical signs, the examiner may note an inconsistent effort, which impacts the reliability of the final results.
How FCE Findings Are Used
The FCE report is used by various parties to make informed decisions about an individual’s work capacity and compensation. For employers and insurance carriers, the results determine return-to-work clearance, often specifying whether the individual can resume their pre-injury job or if they require modified duty or accommodations. The evaluation establishes Permanent Work Restrictions (PWRs), which legally define the physical limits an employee must adhere to in future employment.
The findings are also used in the disability claims process, providing objective evidence to support or deny applications for benefits. Insurance companies (for workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or private long-term disability) rely on the FCE to assess the extent of permanent disability and determine eligibility. The objective data frequently serves as evidence in legal contexts, such as litigation or personal injury claims.