Buyer's Guide
Buyer's Guide #1
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Equipment Buyer's Guide
Starting an FCE Program
Whether you're adding Functional Capacity Evaluations to an occupational therapy clinic, physical therapy practice, or occupational medicine program, the biggest question is usually:
"What equipment do I actually need to get started?"
The good news is that you do not need the largest equipment package immediately. Many successful clinics begin with a core equipment set and expand as referral volume grows.
Starter Package
Perfect for New Practices
| Equipment | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Matheson FCE Equipment Package 1 (Portable) | $3,181 |
| Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer | Included |
| Pinch Gauge | Included |
| Finger Goniometer | Included |
| Hand Function Sort | Included |
| Spinal Function Sort | Included |
| Lift Box | Included |
| Basic weights | Included |
Estimated Investment
$3,200–3,800
Best for:
- Occupational Therapy clinics
- Physical Therapy clinics
- Independent evaluators
- Low-volume FCE programs
Matheson Package 1 includes the core testing equipment necessary for standardized FCE testing.
Professional Package
Recommended for clinics performing multiple FCEs each week.
Equipment
- Matheson FCE Package 3 (Classic)
- Push/Pull Sled
- Matheson Bench
- MTAP Comprehensive Kit
- Lift Evaluation System
- Lafayette Hand Tool Dexterity Test
Approximate Cost
$8,165
This package includes virtually everything needed to perform comprehensive FCEs across multiple injury types.
Premium Clinic Setup
Add:
- Polar Heart Rate Monitor
- Additional weight sets
- Digital inclinometer
- FCE software
- Additional dexterity testing
- Extra carrying equipment
Estimated investment:
$14,000–18,000
Additional Equipment Most Clinics Purchase
| Equipment | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Blood Pressure Cuff | $40–100 |
| Pulse Oximeter | $25–75 |
| Stopwatch | Free–25 |
| Digital Scale | $50–150 |
| Tape Measure | $10 |
| Traffic Cones | $20 |
| Step Stool | $50 |
| Free Weights | $300–700 |
| Storage Shelving | $250–500 |
These items are commonly recommended for complete FCE testing programs.
Estimated Startup Budgets
Starter: $3,500
Professional: $8,500
Comprehensive Program: $15,000–18,000
Buyer's Guide #2
Ergonomic Assessment Equipment Buyer's Guide
Building an Ergonomic Consulting Practice
Unlike FCEs, ergonomic evaluations require portability. The best ergonomic consultants carry lightweight equipment that can be used in offices, manufacturing facilities, healthcare environments, and remote workstations.
Essential Equipment
| Equipment | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Digital Force Gauge | $700–1,500 |
| Digital Inclinometer | $299 |
| Digital Goniometer | $55–250 |
| Tape Measure | $15 |
| Light Meter | $150 |
| Sound Level Meter | $150 |
| Camera or Tablet | Existing |
| Tripod | $40 |
Estimated Investment:
$1,500–2,500
Digital goniometers, inclinometers, and force gauges are available through Matheson Development.
Professional Ergonomic Consultant
Additional equipment:
- Push/Pull Dynamometer
- Grip Dynamometer
- Pinch Gauge
- Force Measurement Tools
- Height Measurement Tools
- Laptop with ergonomic software
Estimated Investment
$4,000–6,000
Industrial Ergonomics Program
Recommended additions:
- Video Analysis Software
- Wearable Motion Sensors
- High Capacity Force Gauge
- Industrial Measuring Tools
- Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Estimated Investment
$7,500–12,000
Common Optional Equipment
- Lux meter
- Digital thermometer
- Vibration meter
- Noise dosimeter
- Calipers
- Workstation templates
- Adjustable laptop stand
- Mobile printer
Typical Startup Budget
Office Ergonomics
$2,000
Industrial Consulting
$5,000
Enterprise Consulting
$10,000+
Buyer's Guide #3
Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation (COG FCE) Equipment Buyer's Guide
Building a Cognitive Evaluation Program
Cognitive FCEs combine standardized testing with structured work simulation to evaluate executive functioning, work capacity, attention, memory, problem solving, and work endurance.
Essential Equipment
| Equipment | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Executive Function Starter Kit | $1,985 |
| Cognitive Abilities Profiler (CAP) | $150 |
| Box and Block Test | $300 |
| Grooved Pegboard | $150 |
| Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test | $450 |
| Stopwatch | $20 |
| Timer | $25 |
Estimated Investment
$3,000
Matheson offers these assessment tools specifically for Cognitive FCE programs.
Professional Cognitive Program
Add:
- Structured Work Simulation Materials
- Doll Chair Assembly Task
- MTAP
- Additional Dexterity Tests
- Executive Function Testing Resources
Estimated Investment
$5,000–7,500
Comprehensive Neurorehabilitation Program
Recommended additions:
- Computer-based cognitive testing
- Environmental simulation tasks
- Office simulation materials
- Work simulation stations
- Dual-task assessment tools
- Occupational task kits
Estimated Investment
$8,000–12,000
Frequently Purchased Supplies
- Filing tasks
- Assembly tasks
- Sorting tasks
- Office supplies
- Calculator
- Telephone
- Computer workstation
- Printer
- Timers
- Storage bins
Typical Startup Budgets
Basic Cognitive FCE
$3,000
Professional Program
$6,000
Comprehensive Brain Injury Program
$10,000+