Functional Abilities Evaluation

FAE testing is a valuable tool to guide the return to work process or to quantify very specifically, an employee’s functional abilities and limitations. Quantification and objective testing of safe maximums for the employee can ensure a safe return to the work place.

The FAE can also help identify transitional return to work job placement following rehabilitation for those employees who are not yet able to return to full duties. Our clinic offers in-depth FAE’s.

These evaluations are reported in a narrative format with expanded descriptions of testing and work simulation stations which can be readily matched with job specific physical demands analyses as requested.

Testing includes measures for consistency of effort and identifies potential symptom magnification by the client. FAE’s provide the most accurate picture of functional performance with its test and retest protocols.

Functional Abilities Evaluations (FAEs)/ Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) objectively determine functional abilities and restrictions (i.e. strength, dexterity, endurance, etc.).  By comparing FAE/FCE results to job requirements, the evaluation helps to facilitate a safe and timely return to the workplace. It can also help insurers to determine the extent to which physical impairments are present.

An FAE may be used to:

  • Determine the claimant's ability to safely return to a specified work routine
  • Determine if accommodations, restrictions, or job modifications, are necessary to assist with the return to work process
  • Determine the extent to which functional impairments exist and when impairment exists, to what degree.
  • Provide recommendations regarding whether or not further treatment is warranted

Each FAE provides accurate assessment of:

  • Static & dynamic strength
  • Whole body range of motion
  • Work endurance
  • Standing & walking work tolerance
  • Seated work tolerance

The assessment report incorporates:

  • Subjective responses of the individual
  • Objective performance results
  • Observations/conclusions of evaluators

Analysis of all work components as follows:

  • Sitting
  • Forward Bending
  • Gripping
  • Handling
  • Crouching
  • Reaching
  • Feeling (Sensoriperception)
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Lifting
  • Walking
  • Step Climbing
  • Kneeling
  • Balancing