Functional capacity evaluation performance does not predict sustained return to work in claimants with chronic back pain.
OBJECTIVE
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is used to determine return-to-work readiness. We investigated the ability of the Isernhagen Work Systems' FCE to predict sustained return-to-work and future pain and disability in workers' compensation claimants with chronic back pain.


METHODS
Prospective study of 130 claimants undergoing FCE for chronic back problems. FCE indicators included number of failed tasks and floor-to-waist lift weight. Recovery indicators included days to suspension of time-loss benefits and future recurrence. Subjects were contacted after one year to determine pain intensity and disability. Analysis included Cox and logistic regression.


RESULTS
Fewer failed tasks (HRR 0.94 (0.91-0.98) and higher floor-to-waist lift (HRR 1.38 (1.17-1.62) were associated with faster return-to-work. FCE was not associated with future recurrence, or reported pain intensity, or disability in subjects reached for follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Better FCE performance was mildly associated with indicators of faster return-to-work. However, FCE is not related to recurrent back problems, future pain intensity, or self-reported disability.
Gross
Douglas Paul
DP
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. dgross@ualberta.ca
Battié
Michele Crites
MC
D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D018582:Sick Leave; D013995:Time; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation