1. Functional Abilities Evaluations (FAE)

• What is an FAE, also known as an FCE?

FAE is a comprehensive and systematic evaluation that determines physical and functional abilities of the client through a series of battery of objective tests and measurements. It compares the current measured and observed physical abilities to the physical demands required at a particular job. The regular FAE takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. FAE includes:

- Detailed medical history and subjective complaints
- Objective clinical assessment: range of motion, strength, grip strength, endurance, orthopaedic and neuromuscular testing
- Functional testing: aerobic capacity, positional tolerances, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, and reaching, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, hand use abilities, dexterity, and other work-simulated tasks.

• How objective is an FAE?

FAE (FCE) is an objective evaluation and has to meet the following six testing principles: safety, standardization, reliability, validity, utility and practicability.
It utilizes a battery of objective tests: measuring the range of motion, physical strength, grip strength, positional tolerances and tolerance to functional activities, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and reaching at different heights. Valid and reliable measurements help identify objective limitations and restrictions that the clients encounter in returning to work and regular functional level. Reported results are clear, accurate, and have high predictive value.  During the FAE, the client’s cooperation and participation, as well as other barriers interfering with full performance are observed and commented upon. This evaluation comments on the client’s consistency of performance. Normal signs of competition and pain behaviors are described, as they are informally observed during evaluation.

• When is an FAE (FCE) recommended?

An FAE is used to make appropriate decisions about a client’s functional status and ability to perform a certain job or occupation. FAE is recommended in the following situations:
  •  When an objective evaluation is required to make appropriate decisions regarding a client’s functional status and ability to perform a certain job or specific tasks of an occupation.
  •  When there is a need to determine if a client is physically able to safely perform regular job tasks.
  •  When there is a need to determine if the client will benefit from further rehabilitation, such as a work hardening program, active rehabilitation or a personal training program.
  •  When the employer seeks to find out if the client will benefit from job modifications, temporary job restrictions, and the addition of assistive equipment or aids to help the worker to perform job tasks in a more safe and efficient manner. This will help the client reach full recovery in a shorter time period.

FAE Reports: Physical and functional abilities measured and observed during FAE will be compared with previous demands (as per specific PDA from previous occupation). Recommendations and conclusions on the client’s ability to perform at pre-injury functional level will be included in detailed objective reports, which are usually produced within 5-7 business days following the assessments.
 
• Who can refer a client to an FAE?

- Employers, Insurance Companies, including LTD, Health Care Professionals, Personal Injury lawyers or other legal representatives, Auto Insurers.

2. Ergonomic Evaluations:

At ProHealth, the Registered Physiotherapist is well trained and experienced to perform Ergonomic Evaluations for various office jobs.

• What is an Ergonomic Evaluation?

As part of the Ergonomic Evaluation, through detailed observation, assessment, and measurements, the evaluator will determine:

-  How to identify and prevent potential ergonomic risk factors, such as poor posture, task duration, repetition, static force, fatigue, stress, etc.
-  How to find ways to improve the workstation design and layout, therefore minimize the risk factors.
-  As part of an onsite intervention, instruct clients in proper ergonomics while sitting, standing, and assuming other functional postures. Also, educate worker on the appropriate setup of the chair, workstation, peripheral devices, such as monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
-  Recommend proper ergonomic equipment or other interventions, such as periodic breaks, changing positions, stretching breaks, and job/tasks rotation.

• Other details about the Ergonomic Evaluation:

These evaluations are conducted at specific worksites. Due to the fact that they comment on specifics of individual within his/her own work environment, it is essential to have the client, and sometimes the supervisor or employer present. A typical evaluation takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the work setting, and the complexity of the job.

Following this evaluation, an objective and detailed ergonomic report (as per ACE guidelines), including easy to-read tables will be produced within 5 business days and sent to the sponsors. It will include feasible recommendations on various devices, adjustments, or modifications. If requested, approximate cost from various suppliers will be presented. As part of the recommendations, the registered physiotherapist with expertise in office ergonomics at ProHealth will comment on postural and biomechanical changes, pacing strategies, and various stretches to optimize the client’s performance at work.