Basis for a functional capacity evaluation methodology for patients with work-related neck disorders

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Occupational health
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint impacting work capacity.
• A validated tool for assessing functional capacity in neck pain patients is currently lacking.
• Work-related neck disorders (WRND) are common, necessitating objective functional assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) for patients with work-related neck disorders (WRND).
• To ensure the developed FCE is content valid for assessing functional capacity in WRND.
• To identify and incorporate key physical risk factors into the FCE.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a review of epidemiological literature to identify physical risk factors for WRND.
• Designed a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) based on identified risk factors.
• Selected eight specific tests to encompass identified risk factors: repetitive side reaching, repetitive reaching overhead, static overhead work, front carry, forward static bend neck, overhead lift, and neck strength test.

Main Results:

• Identified repetitive movements, forceful movements, awkward positions, and static contractions in the neck/shoulder region as physical risk factors for WRND.
• Developed an FCE incorporating eight tests designed to evaluate these identified risk factors.
• Established content validity for the neck-specific FCE through clear rationale, objectives, and operational definitions.

Conclusions:

• A content-valid Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) for work-related neck disorders (WRND) has been developed.
• The FCE includes tests targeting identified physical risk factors associated with WRND.
• Further research is required to confirm the reliability and other validity aspects of this neck-specific FCE.