Affiliations: Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center
Groningen, University of Groningen, University of Groningen, The
Netherlands | Northern Center for Health Care Studies, University
Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands | UC Promotion, Groningen, The Netherlands | Center for Work and Health, University Medical Center
Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Note: [] Address for correspondence: R. Soer, Center for Rehabilitation,
University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.002, 9750 RA Haren, The
Netherlands. Tel./Fax: +31 50 5338550; E-mail: R.Soer@cvr.umcg.nl
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine test-retest reliability of a
Functional Capacity Evaluation for patients with non-specific Work Related
Upper Limb Disorders (WRULD FCE). The study sample included 33 healthy adults,
consisting of 14 males and 19 females with a mean age of 29.2 years. The WRULD
FCE consisted of 8 different tests including 26 items measuring repetitive
movements, duration, working in awkward positions, forceful movements and
static postures. Two FCE sessions were held with a 10-day interval. Means, 95%
confidence intervals, one-way random Intraclass Correlation Coefficients
(ICCs), 95% limits of agreement and repeated measures were calculated. An ICC
between 0.75 and 0.90 was considered as good and an ICC above 0.90 was
considered as an excellent reliability. The results showed that 14 of 26 items
(54%) had excellent reliability, 9 of 26 items (35%) had good reliability and
3 of 26 items (11%) had moderate reliability based on ICC values. Significant
learning effects were present in the Purdue Pegboard Task and in the Complete
Minnesota Dexterity Test. It is concluded that the WRULD FCE is reliable in
healthy adults.
