The predictive validity of job-specific functional capacity evaluation on the employment status of patients with nonspecific low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the predictive validity of a job-specific functional capacity evaluation (FCE) on the employment status of patients with nonspecific low back pain (LBP).


METHODS
Seven hundred and thirteen patients with nonspecific LBP received job-specific FCE. Based on their performance, return-to-work recommendations were given. Three months after evaluation, all patients were contacted by telephone to find out their employment status to examine the predictive validity of each FCE-based rating.


RESULTS
The correct prediction of employment status from an FCE pass rating was 79.8%; fail rating because of not meeting all the criteria of FCE tasks was 61.7%; and fail rating because of failing all FCE tasks was 68.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Job-specific FCE shows a high level of predictive validity that could be used to evaluate the employment status of patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.
Cheng
Andy Shu-Kei
AS
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. andy.cheng@polyu.edu.hk
Cheng
Stella Wai-Chee
SW
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004651:Employment; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation