[Evaluation of functional capacity]

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a detailed examination and evaluation that objectively measures the individual's current level of safe functional abilities, primarily within the context of the demands of competitive employment. It measures the ability to perform functional or work-related tasks and predicts the potential to sustain these tasks over a defined time-frame. Measurements of function from an FCE are compared to the physical demands of a job or other functional activities, and are used to make return-to-work/activity decisions, disability determinations, or to generate a rehabilitation plan. Scientific evidence on validity and reliability is limited so far. An FCE is time-consuming and cannot be recommended as a routine evaluation.