All You Need To Know About Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) By Fleming Fitness
Whether you’re injured or become ill due to your work, Functional Capacity Evaluations or FCEs can help you evaluate your physical ability to determine if you can safely return to work. The FCEs are a set of tests and observations to assess several factors related to your physical strength, stamina or endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. These evaluations will uncover how your condition may impact how you do essential functions on the job. To help you understand the importance of FCEs, the experts at Fleming Fitness have explained in detail in this blog.
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are a detailed assessment of a person’s physical and behavioral functioning to determine their ability to meet target job or living demands. Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are a total of two and half hour to four-hour-long exams administered by a Registered Kinesiologist trained in FCE to determine your ability to perform tasks. The exam is split into two days to assess physical function accurately. This exam looks at your safe abilities to lift, push, pull, twist, bend, climb, stand, walk, etc. and perform other movements similar to work or Activities of Daily Living (ADL) requirements. This is then compared to what you actually do in your day or at work to see if you can return safely.
Functional Capacity Evaluations usually begin with various tests that include:
- Range of motion testing
- Pinch grip test
- Handgrip test
- Dexterity testing
- Dynamic lifting or material handling
- Activity tolerance (Example: walking, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, etc.)
- Balance tests
- Cognitive screening
- Concussion screening
- Pain evaluation
- Kinesiology assessment
- Jobs analysis
- Mechanism of injury
- Detailed written report
The purpose of the evaluation:
a. To determine your ability to perform ADLs or safely return to work on full-time or modified duty.
b. To determine if you need work restrictions, job modifications, or reasonable accommodations to prevent further injury.
c. To determine if your impairments limit your ability to earn regular income.
All in all, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are essential to individuals trying to return to work to help prevent re-injury or additional workplace injuries.
If you’re looking for certified functional capacity evaluations, reach out to us at Fleming Fitness or visit our clinic at 308 Palladium Drive Kanata, Ontario. You can also call us at (613) 882-8434 or email us at patrick@flemingfitness.ca. Our mission is to provide guidance, direction, and expertise about proper nutrition and exercise to our clients, so they live long, healthy, prosperous lives. We have a team of dedicated professionals who strive to develop strong, positive relationships with our clients based on safety, transparency, empathy, and trust. Other than Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), we also offer in-clinic personal training and kinesiology, in-home personal training, yoga and kinesiology, in-home massage therapy, take-away fitness programs, and veterans and kinesiology.
To learn more about Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), please click here or get in touch with us by clicking here.