Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Reliability of Upper Extremity Tests Measured by the ErgosTM Work Simulator: A Pilot Study

  • Published:
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to assess the reliability of functional capacity evaluation (FCE) tests of the upper extremity in Ergos from three perspectives: human performance (in terms of a learning effect); order of the physical intensity (force) of the subtests (intensity effect); and performance in time (time of day effect). An experimental within-subjects design was performed. Twelve healthy males/females were tested in the morning or in the afternoon. The tests focused on sensibility, coordination, and strength of the upper extremity. A counterbalanced design was used for three orders of the three types of tests increasing in intensity. Each participant was tested three times over the course of 4 weeks. A learning effect was found in sensibility and coordination subtests. No order effect was observed in terms of the intensity of the subtests. A time effect was found in coordination tasks: keyboarding performance was better in the morning, and handling better in the afternoon. It was concluded that repeated upper extremity FCE testing in the present pilot study was found to be reliable over a 4-week period in healthy subjects.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Van Tulder,MW, Koes,BW, Bouter,LM. A cost-of-illness study of back pain in The Netherlands. Pain 1995; 62(2): 233-240.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Sluiter,JK, Rest,KM, Frings-Dresen,MHW. Criteria document for evaluation of the work-relatedness of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health 2001; 27(51): 1-102.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Hart,Dl, Berlin,S, Brager,PE. Development of clinical standards in industrial rehabilitation. Ortho Sports Phys Ther 1994; 19: 232-241.

    Google Scholar 

  4. King,PM, Tuckwell,N, Barrett,T. A critical review of Functional Capacity Evaluations. Phys Ther 1998; 78(8): 853-865.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Lechner,DE, Roth,DL, Straaton,KV. Functional capacity evaluation in work disability. Work 1991; 1: 37-47.

    Google Scholar 

  6. NIOSH. Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting. Washington: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1981, Public Health Service Publication No. 81-122.

  7. Dusik,LA, Menard,MR, Cooke,C. Concurrent validity of the Ergos Work Simulator versus conventional Functional Capacity Evaluation techniques in a worker's compensation population. JOM 1993; 35(8): 759-767.

    Google Scholar 

  8. VALPAR. Valpar Component Work Sample Series Manuals. Tucson, AZ: Valpar Corporation, 1986.

  9. Douwes,D., Brouwer S. Mul,CAM. Beschrijving en beoordeling van zes FCE-methoden. [Description and evaluation of six FCE methods]. Hoofddorp, The Nethernalnds: TNO Work Report, 1999, pp. 69-88.

  10. Ricken,A, Six Dijkstra,M, Kuijer,P, Frings-Dresen,M. De mogelijkheden van de Ergos ter beoordeling van arbeidsongeschiktheid: een second opinion. [Capacity of Ergos Work Simulator to evaluate work disability: A second opinion]. Amsterdam: Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, AMC, 2000, Report No. 00-07, pp. 2-22.

  11. Lee,GKL, Chan,CCH, Hui-Chan,CWY. Consistency of performance on the Functional Capacity Assessment: Static strength and dynamic endurance. Am J Phys Med Rehab 2001; 80(3): 189-195.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Headapohl,DM. Sex, Gender, Biology, and Work. In: Headapohl,DM, ed. Occupational Medicine, Women Workers: State of Art Reviews. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belus Inc. 1993; Oct-Dec; 8(4): 685-707.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Ruan,M C, Haig,A J. Functional Capacity Evaluations in Persons with Spinal Disorders: Predicting poor outcomes on Functional Assessment Screening Test (FAST). J Occup Rehab 2001; 11: 119-130.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Haig,AJ, Geisser,ME, Nicholson,C, Parker,E, Yamakawa,K, Montomery,D, Booker,E. The effect of order of testing in functional performance in persons with and without chronic back pain. J Occup Rehab 2003; 13(2): 115-123.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Academic Medical Center/, University of Amsterdam, Research Institute for Health and Health Care Research (AmCOGG), Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Juliette M. Boadella, Judith K. Sluiter & Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen

Authors
  1. Juliette M. Boadella
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Judith K. Sluiter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Boadella, J.M., Sluiter, J.K. & Frings-Dresen, M.H.W. Reliability of Upper Extremity Tests Measured by the ErgosTM Work Simulator: A Pilot Study. J Occup Rehabil 13, 219–232 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026216604066

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026216604066

Search

Navigation