The intra-test and test-retest reliability of the Spinal Function Sort was assessed in a multisite study involving 180 disabled subjects. The results of this study demonstrate the reliability of the instrument across a variety of sites. In addition, this study demonstrated both differences in absolute scores and a pattern of reactivity to the instrument that suggests that perceived functional ability may be affected by the subject's degree of chronicity measured in terms of the time that elapsed between date of injury and datae of testing.
A standardized method of evaluation of the work capacity of persons who are impaired by soft-tissue injuries is described. A demonstration project which involved testing 64 impaired subjects is described. The Cal-FCP test battery can be administered independently by a properly trained professional or by a technician under a physician's supervision and requires two hours or less to complete. This study demonstrated that the results of the test battery are unbiased in terms of both gender and age and can be applied to a standardized disability rating system.
The evaluation of lift capacity is an important part of most functional capacity evaluations. Several different methods have been developed to evaluate lift capacity in a safe, reliable, and valid manner. Isometric strength testing is one approach which has been demonstrated to be highly reliable. However, questions have been raised about the safety and validity of isometric strength testing as a predictor of "real world" lift capacity. One method to improve safety is to provide real time performance feedback so that the evaluee is able to increase psychophysical input to appropriately gauge his or her effort level. One method to improve reliability is to provide standardized instructions that are well understood by the evaluee. Both of these approaches have been utilized in the ERGOS Work Simulator, a computer-controlled multiple-task evaluation instrument that presents visual and auditory instructions to the evaluee along with "real-time" performance feedback. The safety, reliability, and validity of this computer-automated approach in comparison to an experienced human evaluator was evaluated in this research project. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of computerized instructions in an isometric strength testing system to achieve safe, reliable, and valid results. Intra-task variability may be improved by providing pre-test practice trials.
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