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Updating the Evidence on Functional Capacity Evaluation Methods: A Systematic Review.
Stijn De Baets1, Patrick Calders2, Noortje Schalley3
1Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Stijn.debaets@ugent.be.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
|October 9, 2017
Summary
This review synthesizes evidence on functional capacity evaluation (FCE) methods, finding that while some FCE tools show promise, many have weaknesses in reliability and validity. Future research must address these psychometric limitations for improved clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) methods are crucial for assessing an individual's ability to perform work-related tasks.
- A comprehensive understanding of the psychometric properties of various FCE methods is essential for accurate and reliable assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically synthesize the existing evidence on the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of different functional capacity evaluation methods.
- To identify strengths and weaknesses of commonly used FCE tools.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across nine databases.
- Articles were screened by two independent reviewers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Methodological quality of included studies was appraised.
Main Results:
- Twenty eligible studies evaluated nine different FCE methods.
- The Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment work simulator demonstrated moderate predictive validity.
- Ergo-Kit (EK) showed moderate variability, high inter- and intra-rater reliability, low discriminative abilities, and high convergent validity.
- Isernhagen Work-Systems (IWS) FCE exhibited moderate to high test-retest, inter-, and intra-reliability but low predictive validity.
- Physical Work Performance Evaluation (PWPE) had high predictive validity but low internal and external responsiveness.
- Short-form FCE also showed high predictive validity, requiring further examination.
- WorkHab demonstrated moderate to high test-retest, inter-, and intra-rater reliability.
Conclusions:
- While well-known FCE methods have been studied, significant weaknesses in their reliability and validity persist.
- Future research is needed to address these psychometric limitations and improve the robustness of FCE tools.
- Enhancing the reliability and validity of FCE methods will lead to more dependable assessments in occupational health and rehabilitation.
