This study was aimed at evaluating both performance testing and self-reporting on return-to-work (RTW) readiness following a workplace injury. The researchers examined the value of current employability assessment procedures, with a goal of informing the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods

The researchers set out to examine performance testing and self-reporting on RTW readiness following a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation organizations often turn to performance-based Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) by a trained therapist to assess RTW. Performance testing is generally considered to be the most reliable and objective method of assessment, but there has been no rigorous evaluation to determine whether performance testing is better than self-reporting measures and therefore worthwhile. FCE is often integrated into occupational rehabilitation programs as an outcome measure

The researchers set out to examine if the use of FCE leads to better RTW outcomes for injured workers, and whether FCE as a component of rehabilitation leads to better clinical and RTW outcomes