FCE Validation
The determination of the ability to work is essential for return-to-work decisions after injury or illness. We aim supporting fairer decicion-making in work re-integration processes with valid and objective work capacity evaluations.
Factsheet
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Schools involved
School of Health Professions
School of Engineering and Computer Science -
Institute(s)
Institute for Microtechnologies and Medical Engineering IMME
Physiotherapy - Research unit(s) Fussbiomechanik und Technologie
- Strategic thematic field Thematic field "Humane Digital Transformation"
- Funding organisation Others
- Duration (planned) 01.09.2025 - 31.12.2027
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Patric Eichelberger
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Project staff
Michael Streit
Dr. Maurizio Trippolini
Livia Habegger
Prof. Dr. Efe Anil Aksöz -
Partner
BreezeLabs AG
Förderorganisation: SIM - Swiss Insurance Medicine - Keywords functional capacity evaluation, classification of functioning, return to work, insurance medicine, movement biomechanics, physical effort
Situation
Determining functional capacity is central to medical evaluation, particularly in determining work ability amid rising disability claims and associated costs. The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) provides a biopsychosocial framework to assess functioning, though measurement remains complex. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) tests offer standardized, validated and endorsed tools by the Swiss Insurance Medicine (SIM) to assess activity capacity and inform return-to-work decisions. While evidence supports their reliability in musculoskeletal disorders, important gaps persist in objectively measuring physical effort, especially in certain tasks.
Course of action
The aim of this study is a validation of observational effort criteria against biomechanical and physiological measurements. The study directly strengthens the objectivity, consistency, and transparency of medical evaluations and disability assessments. This will enable more accurate determinations of work capacity, support fairer allocation of disability benefits, and enhance decision-making in medico-legal contexts.
