Functional Capacity Evaluation

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) measures how well you can perform physical tasks tied to work or daily living, such as lifting, carrying, standing, and bending. Employers, insurers, or physicians often request this evaluation after an injury to help determine readiness to return to a job or to guide the next phase of rehabilitation.

What the Evaluation Involves

Strength and Lifting Tests — measuring how much weight you can safely lift, carry, push, or pull.
Positional Tolerance — observing how long you can sit, stand, kneel, or bend before fatigue or pain limits the task.
Movement Quality — reviewing posture, body mechanics, and range of motion during functional tasks.
Endurance Assessment — tracking how your body responds over the course of repeated or sustained activity.

How the Results Are Used

Return-to-Work Planning — giving employers and physicians objective information about current physical abilities.
Work Injury Rehabilitation — identifying specific deficits that can be addressed through continued therapy.
Work Conditioning — establishing a starting point for programs designed to rebuild job-specific strength and stamina.

Who This Is For

Functional Capacity Evaluations are commonly used for individuals recovering from work injuries, back or joint injuries, or other conditions affecting physical function. The findings can support Work Injury Rehabilitation, Ergonomic Assessment, and Injury Prevention efforts as part of an overall recovery plan.

This content is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.