physical capacity evaluation (PCE)
An intensive short-term (usually one-day) evaluation that focuses on major physical tolerance abilities related to musculoskeletal strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility. Also known as a physical capacity evaluation (PCE), functional capacity assessment (FCA), work capacity evaluation (WCE), or informally as “functional testing.” FCE is not only a useful clinical tool, but also a baseline for industry-standard results that clearly define an individual’s transition from injury to employment, and from disability to deployment.
physical demand factors
The revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs indicates that the physical demands of an occupation are described in relationship to 20 factors, including strength, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, tasting/smelling, near acuity, far acuity, accommodation, environment, color vision, field of vision.
Matheson also defines such physical demand factors as above-shoulder work, static neck positioning, static standing, and dynamic standing.
physical effort
Defined by Matheson as an individual’s tendency to provide high levels of physical exertion during encountered testing procedures. This type of testing is best evaluated via a multifaceted approach, ideally implementing a combination of isometric, behavioral, and/or cardiovascular measures to help gauge a client’s level of effort.
Physical effort testing is not intended to imply motivation or intent. Possible reasons for submaximal effort include fear of pain, desire to have the evaluator fully appreciate one’s level of perceived dysfunction, desire for secondary gain, and/or habitual display of reduced abilities related to one’s chronic pain cycle. (Kyi, Matheson, 1997)
physical effort testing
Refers to an individual’s levels of physical exertion during encountered test procedures.
Post-Offer employment testing (POET) and job analysis
See Post-Offer pre-placement testing (PPT) and job analysis
Post-Offer, pre-placement testing (PPT) and job analysis
Testing and analysis that ensures that an applicant’s physical abilities match the demands of the job. For any organization that places applicants in jobs with high levels of physical exertion or dexterity, or jobs with a history of injuries, Post-Offer, pre-placement testing and job analysis is a crucial step in avoiding injury and its costs.
posture
Posture refers to the position of a specific body part relative to an adjacent body part, determined by the angle of the joint connecting them.
practice hierarchy
Safety, followed by reliability, validity, practicality, and utility. The foundation of the Matheson philosophy, and espoused by such organizations as the American Psychological Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American Academy of Occupational Medicine and Rehabilitation. Resting on this foundation are four pillars: respect for the person being evaluated, use of best practices, the thinking evaluator concept, and a focus on case resolution. This approach treats both fee payer and injured worker fairly while keeping the injured worker safe during the evaluation.
