Lifting and carrying objects
The assessment of potentially existing impairments in the lifting and carrying of objects is initially undertaken through performance tasks. Should this screening suggest any impairment, a further assessment of the activity ‘lifting and carrying of objects’ can be conducted using an FCE specific test (a test from “Functional Capacity Evaluation©“)
Performance task
Screening
Required material: None
Procedure: The doctor asks the patient to complete the following one-handed sequence of movement with their afflicted hand:
The lifting of an object and its carrying from one place to another (e.g. a cup, a small drinks crate).
The doctor rates their observation according to the following assessment criteria: The patient can lift and carry from one place to another (1) heavy objects (>10kg) without any problem, (2) only moderately heavy objects (3-10kg), (3) only light objects (<3kg) or (4) no objects can be lifted and carried.
Should the doctor recognize any limitations, the ability to lift and carry objects can be further investigated through a supplementary test carried out by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The supplementary test will examine five activities from the FCE.
Documentation example:
Tests following the Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Supplementary testing
Prerequisite: Licensing and staff training according to the requirements of the Isernhagen Work System
Required material: FCE test materials (including moveable objects with defined weights)
Procedure: Lifting and carrying objects can be assessed with the following EFL tests:
- Lifting – from the floor to waist height
- Lifting – from the waist to head height
- Horizontal lifting
The object with the maximum possible weight is chosen. Each activity is repeated five times.
- Carrying right hand
- Carrying left hand
The object with the maximum possible weight is chosen and is carried over a distance of 15m with the respective hand. The therapist notes the weight of the object for each activity in kg and rates their observation according to the following assessment criteria: The patient carries out the activity (1) in a vigorous and coordinated manner and to the full extent, (2) with the help of compensatory mechanisms, (3) the activity is not possible.
Documentation example:
