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A Short-Form Functional Capacity Evaluation Predicts Time to Recovery but Not Sustained Return-to-Work

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Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the ability of a short-form FCE to predict future timely and sustained return-to-work. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted using data collected during a cluster RCT. Subject performance on the items in the short-form FCE was compared to administrative recovery outcomes from a workers’ compensation database. Outcomes included days to claim closure, days to time loss benefit suspension and future recurrence (defined as re-opening a closed claim, restarting benefits, or filing a new claim for injury to the same body region). Analysis included multivariable Cox and logistic regression using a risk factor modeling strategy. Potential confounders included age, sex, injury duration, and job attachment status, among others. Results The sample included 147 compensation claimants with a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Subjects who demonstrated job demand levels on all FCE items were more likely to have their claims closed (adjusted Hazard Ratio 5.52 (95% Confidence Interval 3.42–8.89), and benefits suspended (adjusted Hazard Ratio 5.45 (95% Confidence Interval 2.73–10.85) over the follow-up year. The proportion of variance explained by the FCE ranged from 18 to 27%. FCE performance was not significantly associated with future recurrence. Conclusion A short-form FCE appears to provide useful information for predicting time to recovery as measured through administrative outcomes, but not injury recurrence. The short-form FCE may be an efficient option for clinicians using FCE in the management of injured workers.

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Acknowledgments

This project was completed in partial fulfillment of MScPT degree requirements for the first four authors. The Workers’ Compensation Board—Alberta/Millard Health facilitated data collection. Dr. Battié is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada

    Erin N. Branton, Kelly M. Arnold, Sheena R. Appelt, Megan M. Hodges, Michele C. Battié & Douglas P. Gross

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  1. Erin N. Branton
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  2. Kelly M. Arnold
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  3. Sheena R. Appelt
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  4. Megan M. Hodges
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  5. Michele C. Battié
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  6. Douglas P. Gross
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Correspondence to Douglas P. Gross.

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Branton, E.N., Arnold, K.M., Appelt, S.R. et al. A Short-Form Functional Capacity Evaluation Predicts Time to Recovery but Not Sustained Return-to-Work. J Occup Rehabil 20, 387–393 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-010-9233-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-010-9233-9

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