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How to assess physical work-ability with Functional Capacity Evaluation methods in a more specific and efficient way?

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to propose a three-step procedure that can be used in the selection of functional tests from any full Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) method in order to assess efficiently physical work-ability in workers with musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) and related functional limitations.


METHODS
Recently, some authors have considered the selection of functional tests specific to particular jobs from within a full FCE method. In the present study, based on existing literature and on their own expertise on FCE methods, the authors develop in an analogous manner a conceptual framework for selecting functional tests specific to particular MSCs from within a full FCE method.


RESULTS
The first step is to establish the worker's medical condition and to assign it to one or more defined MSC categories (upper extremity, back, lower extremity). The second step is to identify activities that are restricted by the medical condition (e.g., lifting and bending for MSC of the back). The third and final step is to select functional tests from a full FCE tests battery to permit measurement of the restricted activities identified in Step 2, striving to avoid redundancy by selecting a limited number of tests for each activity under investigation.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed three-step procedure is a new approach to enhance the efficiency and practicality of FCEs.