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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Functional capacity evaluation performance does not predict sustained return to work in claimants with chronic back
Douglas Paul Gross1, Michele Crites Battié
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. dgross@ualberta.ca
Objectives:
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is used to determine return-to-work readiness. We investigated the ability of the Isernhagen Work Systems' FCE to predict sustained return-to-work and future pain and disability in workers' compensation claimants with chronic back pain.
Methods:
Prospective study of 130 claimants undergoing FCE for chronic back problems. FCE indicators included number of failed tasks and floor-to-waist lift weight. Recovery indicators included days to suspension of time-loss benefits and future recurrence. Subjects were contacted after one year to determine pain intensity and disability. Analysis included Cox and logistic regression.
Results:
Fewer failed tasks (HRR 0.94 (0.91-0.98) and higher floor-to-waist lift (HRR 1.38 (1.17-1.62) were associated with faster return-to-work. FCE was not associated with future recurrence, or reported pain intensity, or disability in subjects reached for follow-up.
Conclusions:
Better FCE performance was mildly associated with indicators of faster return-to-work. However, FCE is not related to recurrent back problems, future pain intensity, or self-reported disability.
