I agree, we all need to be"thinking evaluators". But we must be opened minded. The Matheson system is a great tool which I have used in the past. But there are many tools available. We all need to adapt in different situations. As long as we know why things are done. And can defend our results as valid and reliable. Which is why evidence based pactice is dong so well.

I just wanted to respond to the comment about the ERGOS Work Sim.... as trained Matheson Evaluators, you are taught to be "thinking evaluators" which cannot be replaced by a computerized system. Our philosophy was carefully created using research articles, peer reviewed journals and the five pillars of safety, reliability, validity, practicality and utility. Based upon Daubert vs. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, which determines the standard for admitting expert scientific testimony in a federal trail, this Supreme Court ruling states "an expert's testimony pertain to "scientific knowledge" establishes a standard of evidentiary reliability." When you go to court, are you going to be able to explain, with reliability and validity, how your evaluation was structured, why you performed the tests that you completed and what the findings mean? With a Matheson evaluation, you will.

Static and dynamic lifting; pushing and pulling; activities that test squatting, kneeling, standing; carrying; endurance activities that include walking for endurance; any UE repetitive task such as sorting; MMT; grip and key pinch strength; AROM. A hundred years ago when I started in industrial rehab., we used Valpar 9,4, 11. A box lift test was also included.
Now we use the ERGOS work simulator which is all computerized. Hope this helps...