FUNCTIONAL-CAPACITY AND RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL-CAPACITY AND THEIR UTILITY IN MEASURING WORK CAPACITY

Objective: The pain physician is often asked to establish the medical impairment of the chronic pain patient (CPP) and from that determinati on ascertain the work capacity of the CPP. Functional capacity (FC) te sting has recently been introduced as a more objective and accurate wa y of facilitating the determination of work capacity. However, there a re conceptual problems with the measurement of FC. These will be revie wed and the relationship of FC to residual functional capacity (RFC) w ill be determined. Finally, a method for measuring RFC in a job-specif ic manner will be suggested. Data Sources: The literature in reference to the measurement of medical impairment, FC, and RFC was reviewed. S tudy Selection: Studies appropriate to the objective of this review we re selected for inclusion. Conclusions: The FC and RFC are poorly defi ned. Lack of definition has interfered with design of appropriate test batteries specific to work capacity. To circumvent this problem a job -specific RFC measurement method is suggested. This method is based on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.