Functional Capacity Evaluation Research & Scientific Literature
Matheson Development is committed to supporting evidence-based practice in functional capacity evaluation, occupational rehabilitation, work capacity assessment, and return-to-work services.
This collection of selected scientific literature includes research related to the EPIC Lift Capacity Test, Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Spinal and Hand Function Sorts, work hardening, and other areas of rehabilitation and work assessment. It includes both current peer-reviewed research and selected foundational publications that have contributed to the development of these assessment methods.
Where available, links are provided to PubMed, journal publications, and full-text resources so rehabilitation professionals can explore the original research.
This resource is intended for occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, educators, and other professionals interested in evidence-based functional assessment and return-to-work rehabilitation.
EPIC Lift Capacity Test Research
The EPIC Lift Capacity Test is a progressive lift capacity assessment developed to evaluate lifting ability in individuals with physical impairment and disability. The following publications include research examining the reliability, validity, biomechanics, normative data, and application of the EPIC Lift Capacity Test.
- 2024: Work-readiness self report lift capacity test short form — Matheson, LN, Verna, JL, Mayer, JM. Work. 2024;79(4):1829–1841. PubMed ID: 38995749
- 2020: Feature Detection and Biomechanical Analysis to Objectively Identify High Exposure Movement Strategies When Performing the EPIC Lift Capacity Test — Armstrong, TJ, et al. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2020;30:556–566. PubMed ID: 32248432
Functional Capacity Evaluation Research
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is used to assess an individual's physical and functional abilities in relation to work and other activities. Research in this area addresses the reliability, validity, clinical application, and usefulness of functional capacity evaluation in rehabilitation and return-to-work decision-making.
The selected publications below provide research and professional literature related to FCE and the evaluation of work capacity.
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Equipment
- 2024: Complex Issues in Vocational Rehabilitation with Functional Capacity Evaluation Results — Allison, S, Leslie, TP, Dalgin, RS. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 2024;61(1). Article
- 2024: Effectiveness of a Functional Capacity Evaluation on the Return-to-Work Process: A Randomised Controlled Trial — Geonet, M, Godderis, L. Occupational Medicine. 2024;74(Supplement 1). Article
Spinal and Hand Function Sorts Research
The Spinal Function Sort and Hand Function Sort are self-report measures used to assess perceived functional ability in relation to physical work demands and rehabilitation. The research below examines their reliability, validity, responsiveness, and application in vocational rehabilitation and in conjunction with Functional Capacity Evaluation.
Spinal Function Sort Kit and Hand Function Sort Kit
- 2021: Determination of Perceived Levels of Physical Work Demand Thresholds, and Reliability and Responsiveness of the Modified-Spinal Function Sort Questionnaire in a Multidisciplinary Occupational Rehabilitation Setting — Burrus, C, Vuistiner, P, Léger, B, Luthi, F. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2021;31(4):822–830. PubMed ID: 33761082
- 2021: Linking the Spinal Function Sort and Functional Capacity Evaluation Tests to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set of Vocational Rehabilitation — Lassfolk, M, Escorpizo, R, Korniloff, K, Reneman, M. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2021;31(1):166–174. PubMed ID: 32500472
- 2021: Development and Validation of a Short Version of the French Hand Function Sort Questionnaire in Vocational Rehabilitation — Benhissen, Z, Konzelmann, M, Vuistiner, P, Leger, B, Luthi, F, Devilliers, H, Hilfiker, R, Benaim, C. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2021;64(6):101533. PubMed ID: 33933688
Work Hardening & Return-to-Work Research
Work hardening is a structured, goal-oriented rehabilitation approach designed to improve an individual's physical and functional abilities for a safe return to work. The research below examines work hardening, occupational rehabilitation, return-to-work outcomes, and strategies for preparing individuals for competitive employment.
Work Hardening & Work Conditioning Equipment
- 2025: Elements of Return-to-Work Interventions for Workers on Long-Term Sick Leave: A Systematic Literature Review — de Geus, CJC, Huysmans, MA, van Rijssen, HJ, et al. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2025;35(2):159–180. PubMed ID: 38849612
- 2024: Efficacy of Occupational Rehabilitation in Return to Work for Back Pain: A Systematic Literature Review — Kalski, L, Völkel, L, Häußler, S, Wolfarth, B. Work. 2024;78(1):29–43. PubMed ID: 37781855
- 2024: Systematic Review and Tools Appraisal of Prognostic Factors of Return to Work in Workers on Sick Leave Due to Musculoskeletal and Common Mental Disorders — Villotti, P, Kordsmeyer, AC, Roy, JS, et al. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(7). PubMed ID: 39018306
Historical & Foundational Rehabilitation Research
Foundational EPIC Lift Capacity Test Research
PubMed citations included for available titles.
- 2002: The Contribution of Aerobic Fitness and Back Strength to Lift Capacity — Matheson, LN, Leggett, S, Mooney, V, Schneider, K, Mayer, JM. Spine. 2002;27(11):1208–1212. PubMed ID: 12045519
- 2000: Sensitivity and Specificity of the Indicators of Sincere Effort of the EPIC Lift Capacity Test on a Previously Injured Population — Jay, MA, Lamb, JM, Watson, RL, Young, IA, Fearon, FJ, Alday, JM, Tindall, AG. Spine. 2000;25(11):1405–1412. PubMed ID: 10828923
- 1995: A Test to Measure Lift Capacity of Physically Impaired Adults: Part II. Reactivity in a Patient Sample — Matheson, LN, Mooney, V, Holmes, D, Leggett, S, Grant, JE, Negri, S, Holmes, B. Spine. 1995;20(19):2130–2134. PubMed ID: 8588170
- 1995: A Test to Measure Lift Capacity of Physically Impaired Adults: Part I. Development and Reliability Testing — Matheson, LN, Mooney, V, Grant, JE, Affleck, M, Hall, H, Melles, T, Lichter, R, McIntosh, G. Spine. 1995;20(19):2119–2129. PubMed ID: 8588169
- 1994: Reliability of the EPIC Lift Capacity Test — Matheson, LN, Mooney, V, Grant, J, Lichter, R.
- 1994: Effect of Focussed Strength Training After Low Back Injury — Mooney, V, Matheson, L, Holmes, D, Leggett, S, Grant, J, Negri, S, Holmes, B.
- 1993: Effect of Instructions on Measurement of Isometric Whole Body Strength: Reliability and Validity — Matheson, LN, Danner, R, Grant, J, Mooney, V. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 1993;3(2):65–81. PubMed ID: 24243227
- 1991: The Reliability and Validity of Two New Tests of Maximum Lifting Capacity — Alpert, J, Matheson, L, Beam, W, Mooney, V. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 1991;1(1):13–29. PubMed ID: 24242323
PDF: Contributions of Aerobic Fitness and Back Strength to Lift Capacity
Foundational Symptom Magnification Syndrome Research
- 1998: Use of Maximum Voluntary Effort Grip Strength Testing to Identify Symptom Magnification Syndrome in Persons with Low Back Pain — Matheson, LN, Bohr, PC, Hart, DL. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 1998;10(3):125–135. Article
- 1991: Symptom Magnification Syndrome Structured Interview: Rationale and Procedure — Matheson, LN. PDF
- 1990: Symptom Magnification Syndrome: A Modern Tragedy and Its Treatment — Matheson, LN. PDF
Foundational Functional Capacity Evaluation Research
- 2003: The Functional Capacity Evaluation — Matheson, L. In Andersson, G, Demeter, S, & Smith, G. (Eds.), Disability Evaluation. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Mosby Yearbook. PDF
- 2001: Functional Assessment Construct Taxonomy, Social Security Administration Disability Determination Project — Matheson, LN, et al. PDF
- 1997: Testimony of Leonard N. Matheson, PhD, CVE: Subcommittee on Social Security Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifth Congress — Matheson, LN. PDF
- 1996: Standardized Evaluation of Work Capacity — Matheson, LN. PDF
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1994: BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UTILITY IN THE
ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY — Matheson, LN. PDF - 1987: Aggressive Evaluation Leads to Cost Savings: Injured Workers Avoid Rehabilitation and Return to Work — Matheson, LN.
Foundational Spinal and Hand Function Sorts Research
- 1993: Development of a Measure of Perceived Functional Ability — Matheson, LN, Matheson, ML, Grant, J. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 1993;3(1):15–30. PubMed ID: 24243149
- 1993: Validity of a Measure of Self-Perception as an Indicator of Change in the Rehabilitation of Adults with Low Back Injury — Matheson, LN, Matheson, ML, Grant, J.
Foundational Work Hardening Research
- 1995: Work Hardening — Matheson, L. In Frymoyer, J, Ducker, T, Hadler, N, Kostuik, J, Weinstein, J, & Whitecloud, T. (Eds.), The Adult Spine: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Raven Press. PDF
- Work Hardening Strategies: The Goaling Process — Matheson, LN.
- Work Hardening Strategies: Feasibility for Competitive Employment — Matheson, LN.
- Goaling Process — Matheson, LN. PDF
About This Research Collection
The literature collected on this page reflects decades of research and professional work in functional capacity evaluation, occupational rehabilitation, work capacity assessment, and return-to-work rehabilitation.
Many of these publications are associated with the development and evaluation of assessment methods used by rehabilitation professionals, including the EPIC Lift Capacity Test and the Spinal and Hand Function Sorts. The collection includes both foundational publications and more recent peer-reviewed research that continues to inform the field.
Matheson Development maintains this resource to help rehabilitation professionals, educators, researchers, and other interested readers locate scientific literature related to functional assessment and work rehabilitation.