Affiliations: North Queensland Therapy Services, Townsville,
Queensland, Australia | The University of Queensland, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Occupational Therapy, Queensland,
Australia | School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and
Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland,
Australia | University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Anna Nicholls, PO Box 5755,
Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 4772 5191; Fax: +61 7 4772 5320;
E-mail: anna.nicholls@nqtherapyservices.com
Abstract: Objective: The primary aim of the study was to explore the current
practice of occupational therapists when assessing standing performance during
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs). Methods: A semi-structured
interview was conducted with occupational therapists and the participants were
interviewed using both open and closed questions. Participants: A sample of occupational therapists (n=20) from Queensland, Australia were involved
in a survey. They were all experienced in conducting FCEs. Results: Ninety percent of the respondents used a distracting task during the assessment
of standing with standardised and non-standardised nuts and bolts assembly
tasks the most commonly used. Respondents reported using a mix of biophysical,
physiological and psychophysical clinical observations to assess standing. The
nuts and bolts assembly activities used by the respondents were rated to be of
low interest in terms of engaging the client. Conclusions: It was identified there are minimal guidelines in the literature which focuses on
assessment of standing in FCEs. Questions were raised regarding the adequacy of
the use of nuts and bolts activities as a suitably distracting task in FCEs and
further research is required on assessing standing in functional capacity
evaluation including the use of suitably distracting activities
