Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Steyer School of
Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel | Department of Occupational and Environmental Health,
School of Public Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv~University, Tel
Aviv, Israel | Orthopedic Department, Shiba Hospital, Tel-Hashomer,
Ramat Gan, Israel
Note: [] Corresponding author: Navah Z. Ratzon, Department of
Occupational Therapy, Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of
Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B. 39040, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. Tel.: +972
3 6405443; Fax: +972 3 6409933; E-mail: navah@post.tau.ac.il
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Pelvic injuries following motor vehicle accidents (MVA)
cause disability and affect work capabilities. This study evaluated functional,
self-report, and medical-based factors that could predict work capacity as was
reflected in a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) among persons who sustained
a pelvic injury. It was hypothesized that self-reported functional status and
bio-demographic variables would predict work capacity. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-one community-dwelling adults previously
hospitalized following a MVA induced pelvic injury. METHODS: FCE for work performance was conducted using the Physical
Work Performance Evaluation (PWPE). Additional data was collected through a
demographics questionnaire and the Functional Status Questionnaire. All
participants underwent an orthopedic medical examination of the hip and lower
extremities. RESULTS: Most participants self-reported that their work capacity
post-injury were lower than their job required. PWPE scores indicated
below-range functional performance. Regression models predicted 23% to 51% of
PWPE subtests. Participants' self-report of functioning (instrumental
activities of daily living and work) and bio-demographic variables (gender and
age) were better predictors of PWPE scores than factors originating from the
medical examination. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the inclusion of FCE, in addition to
self-report of functioning and medical examination, to evaluate work capacity
among individuals' post-pelvic injury and interventions and discharge
planning.
Keywords: Hip, work ability, self-report, orthopedics
