FCE FCE Biomechanics & Musculoskeletal Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In FCE, which grip strength test position is considered the standard per the American Society of Hand Therapists?
- Elbow fully extended, arm at side
- Elbow at 90°, arm at side, neutral forearm (Correct answer)
- Elbow at 45°, forearm supinated
- Shoulder abducted 90°, elbow flexed
Correct answer: Elbow at 90°, arm at side, neutral forearm
The ASHT recommends testing grip strength with the elbow at 90°, arm adducted at the side, and forearm in neutral position for standardized and reliable results.
Question 2: What does the five-rung grip strength test (five-handle-position test) help detect in FCE?
- Maximum cardiovascular output
- Sincerity of effort through a bell-curve pattern (Correct answer)
- Wrist flexor endurance
- Tendon tear severity
Correct answer: Sincerity of effort through a bell-curve pattern
A genuine maximal effort produces a bell-curve pattern across five handle positions, so deviation from this pattern may indicate submaximal effort or inconsistency.
Question 3: Which measure is commonly used to quantify a worker's ability to sustain postures over time during an FCE?
- Peak torque ratio
- Static endurance time (Correct answer)
- Isokinetic velocity
- Axial load index
Correct answer: Static endurance time
Static endurance time measures how long a worker can maintain a required posture, which is critical for matching physical capacities to sustained job demands.
Question 4: Why is body mechanics coaching NOT typically a component of an FCE?
- It is too expensive to perform
- FCE is a measurement tool, not a treatment intervention (Correct answer)
- Therapists are not trained in body mechanics
- Insurance does not cover coaching
Correct answer: FCE is a measurement tool, not a treatment intervention
FCE is designed to objectively measure physical capacity, not to provide treatment or coaching, which would compromise the objectivity of the assessment.
Question 5: In musculoskeletal FCE, what does 'dynamic lifting capacity' specifically refer to?
- The ability to lift during a static posture
- The ability to lift and move objects through a range of motion (Correct answer)
- Cardiovascular response to repetitive lifting
- Grip force during object manipulation
Correct answer: The ability to lift and move objects through a range of motion
Dynamic lifting capacity refers to the ability to perform lifting tasks through a complete range of motion, such as floor-to-waist or waist-to-shoulder lifts.
Question 6: Which functional movement pattern is assessed when a worker is asked to perform the 'stoop lift'?
- Hip-dominant forward bend with straight knees (Correct answer)
- Squat with knees tracking over toes
- Lateral trunk flexion
- Shoulder horizontal abduction
Correct answer: Hip-dominant forward bend with straight knees
The stoop lift involves a hip-dominant forward bend with relatively straight knees, placing greater demands on the lumbar extensors compared to the squat lift.
FCE FCE Biomechanics & Musculoskeletal Analysis 2
In FCE, which grip strength test position is considered the standard per the American Society of Hand Therapists?