Functional self-efficacy beliefs influence functional capacity evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
The relationship between functional self-efficacy and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) lift performance was examined in workers' compensation claimants' with low back pain.


METHODS
A cross-sectional design was used. Forty-two claimants with back pain and 38 subjects without back pain were enrolled. Subjects completed a measure of functional self-efficacy related specifically to lifting. Subjects also underwent FCE floor-to-waist, waist-to-overhead and horizontal lift testing. Potential confounders were also assessed including perceived disability, pain intensity, and self-rated health. Analysis included Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression.


RESULTS
Higher functional self-efficacy beliefs were highly associated with better FCE performance on each of the lift items tested (r = 0.50-0.73). In multivariable analysis, the measure of functional self-efficacy remained independently associated with lift performance after controlling for potential confounders.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional self-efficacy beliefs appear to influence FCE lift performance. Strategies for altering functional self-efficacy beliefs and their resulting impact on patient functional performance and outcomes should be examined.
Asante
Alexander K
AK
Peter Lougheed Hospital, 3500 - 26th Ave N.E., Calgary, T1Y 6J4, Alberta, Canada. alexander.asante@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Brintnell
E Sharon
ES
Gross
Douglas P
DP
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation