If, during the 4 hour test you completed a PILE and ELC protocol then you would have a good idea about their ability to work (PDL). The ELC includes self-report about "could you do this lift every hour for a typical day" or similar question. This could be used in conjunction with other test results to extrapolate your results to a full workday. A follow-up phonecall (depending on the reliability of client reports) on the next day would also help to see if there is appreciable change in symptoms. So, in summary, it is best to test someone for a full workday in order to clearly state that they can work a full day. However, with funder restrictions etc, this is not always possible and determinations must be made based on the information we get.

Hope this helps

Hello,

Here is what our cilnical advisor has said:

RMA teaches Functional Capacity Evaluation based upon the seminal work of Dr. Matheson. Dr. Matheson, to my knowledge, has offered the most generally accepted information on defining a worker's abilities, which follows along with information in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. How an evaluator goes about translating performance during a 4 hour test into a full workday is a complex issue-something that is taught in the course of FCE, and others. In general, an individual's performance is quantified into one of 5 groups; Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy and Very Heavy. In my mind, the key aspect of this classification system is the material handling component-and it is broken down in the following manner;

<10 lbs. Sedentary

10-20 lbs. Light

20-50 lbs. Medium

50-100 lbs. Heavy

>100 lbs. Very Heavy

The DOT also gives some general guidelines for standing and walking, but it is not very clear. For example; "Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met."

The only other information I can provide regarding the DOT classification data is that some consideration should be given to an evaluee's cardiovascular capacity. In general, it would be preferred that the evaluaee's cardiovascular capacity match or exceed their material handling abilities/job demands. Again, RMA offers several great courses on how to comprehensively, objectively, and defensively assess and quantify a worker's ability to work.