Affiliations: Functional Outcomes Rehabilitation Services Inc.,
Vancouver, BC, Canada | Department of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada | Regional Treatment Center (Pacific), Rehabilitation
Unit, Abbotsford, BC, Canada | Orion Health Inc., New Westminister, BC, Canada | Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Vancouver, BC,
Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Min Trevor Kyi, Suite 204 –
1755 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6J 4S5, Canada. Tel.: +1 604 733 9675; Fax:
+1 604 733 9620; E-mail: mkyi@functionaloutcomes.com
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of
time of day and job type on performance of three functional capacity evaluation
measures in healthy (asymptomatic) adults. It was queried whether or not a
healthy population of adults would demonstrate a change in physical performance
ability, when re-tested at the end of their work day. Setting: A convenience sample of 50 healthy adults (19–62
years, 66% male) was used from six work sites in an urban area. Design: Same day pre-test and post-test testing was performed,
implementing use of three commonly used functional capacity tests: Jamar
dynamometer grip strength test, Turning sub-test of the Complete Minnesota
Dexterity Test, and the 50-foot walk test. Methods: The study compared morning and afternoon test scores, and
using t-tests, assessed the effect of job type (sedentary, light, medium,
heavy) on performance using ANOVA. Results: All three measures improved from morning to afternoon;
differences were statistically significant for 50-foot walk (mean=0.2 sec,
p=0.02) and manual dexterity (mean=5 sec, p< 0.001). Job type had a
significant effect on dexterity. Conclusions: Late day performance did not show any significant
decline in this sample of healthy adults, and in fact tended to improve or stay
relatively stable. Therefore, clinicians who perform functional capacity
evaluations should consider alternative explanations for late-day functional
declines observed in injured patients. These findings, combined with other test
results, may assist clinicians with disability determination.
