FCE Sincerity of Effort & Symptom Validity

Question 1

The coefficient of variation (CV) threshold most commonly used in grip strength testing to indicate consistent, reliable effort is:

Accepted Answer

Less than 15%

Answer

Less than 10%

Answer

Less than 20%

Answer

Less than 25%

Question 2

In the five-position grip strength test, a bell-shaped curve of results (low-high-low pattern) across positions 1 through 5 is considered a sign of:

Accepted Answer

Sincerity of maximal effort

Answer

Submaximal or inconsistent effort

Answer

Malingering confirmed

Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 3

The Rapid Exchange Grip (REG) test is used in FCE primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Detect submaximal effort by comparing REG to sustained grip values

Answer

Measure peak grip endurance

Answer

Assess median nerve conduction velocity

Answer

Establish a baseline for work hardening

Question 4

Waddell's non-organic signs are used in FCE to assess:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral indicators that may suggest symptom magnification

Answer

Structural pathology severity

Answer

Cardiovascular effort during lifting

Answer

Joint range of motion accuracy

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate term for a clinical finding when an examinee performs below their actual physical ability during FCE testing?

Accepted Answer

Submaximal effort

Answer

Malingering

Answer

Functional overlay

Answer

Deconditioning

Question 6

Heart rate monitoring during FCE testing is used as a sincerity of effort indicator because:

Accepted Answer

Submaximal effort typically produces a disproportionately low heart rate relative to reported exertion

Answer

Maximal effort always corresponds to a heart rate above 220 bpm

Answer

Heart rate below 60 bpm confirms adequate effort

Answer

Heart rate is used only for cardiovascular safety, not effort assessment

Question 7

Which consistency criterion indicates reliable performance during range-of-motion testing in an FCE?

Accepted Answer

All three repeated measurements within 5 degrees of each other

Answer

Any two of three measurements within 10 degrees

Answer

All three measurements are identical

Answer

The highest and lowest values differ by less than 30 degrees