Reliability of Safe Maximum Lifting Determinations of a Functional Capacity Evaluation

TLDR

Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are measurement tools used to predict readiness to return to work following injury. The study assessed interrater and test‑retest reliability of maximal safe lifting determinations in kinesiophysical FCEs by having five experienced occupational therapists independently test 28 low‑back‑pain patients on two occasions separated by 2–4 days. Interrater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.95–0.98) and test‑retest reliability was good (ICC 0.78–0.94), with performance inconsistencies across sessions being the main source of measurement variability.

Abstract

Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are measurement tools used in predicting readiness to return to work following injury. The interrater and test-retest reliability of determinations of maximal safe lifting during kinesiophysical FCEs were examined in a sample of people who were off work and receiving workers' compensation.Twenty-eight subjects with low back pain who had plateaued with treatment were enrolled. Five occupational therapists, trained and experienced in kinesiophysical methods, conducted testing.A repeated-measures design was used, with raters testing subjects simultaneously, yet independently. Subjects were rated on 2 occasions, separated by 2 to 4 days. Analyses included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals.The ICC values for interrater reliability ranged from.95 to.98. Test-retest values ranged from.78 to.94.Inconsistencies in subjects' performance across sessions were the greatest source of FCE measurement variability. Overall, however, test-retest reliability was good and interrater reliability was excellent.