title: Functional Capacity Evaluation in Upper Limb Reduction Deficiency and Amputation: Development and Pilot Testing.
abstract: Purpose To develop and pilot test a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) for individuals with upper limb absence (ULA) due to reduction deficiency or amputation, and to examine the relationship between FCE results and presence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSC). Method Five tests (overhead lifting, overhead working, repetitive reaching, fingertip dexterity, and handgrip strength) were selected and adapted if necessary. The newly developed FCE, called FCE-One-Handed (FCE-OH), was pilot tested in 20 adults individuals with ULA, and 20 matched controls. MSC were assessed via a questionnaire. Results Adaptations were considered necessary for all tests, except the handgrip strength test. The repetitive overhead lifting test of the non-affected limb was added. On the overhead lifting test, individuals with above-elbow ULA (ten males), performed similar to controls using one hand. When lifting bimanually using the prosthesis, a trend for lower lifting capacity of individuals with below-elbow ULA (seven males, three females) was observed compared to controls. On the overhead working test, individuals with above-elbow ULA performed worse compared to controls. Other tests showed no significant differences between groups. Relationships between FCE results and presence of MSC were non-significant. Conclusion The FCE-OH can be used to test functional capacity of one-handed individuals. Individuals with ULA generally showed similar functional capacity as two-handed individuals. FCE results were not related to MSC. It was discussed that a higher physical load on the non-affected limb might reflect a relative deficit of functional capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. S.G.Postema@umcg.nl.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Postema
authors.affiliation: Center of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bongers
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Reneman
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: van der Sluis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries*; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation
keywords: Complaints of arms neck shoulder; Functional capacity evaluation; Occupational rehabilitation; Upper limb amputation; Validity