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 Ability
Works
utilizes the most sophisticated and state of the art
Functional Capacity Evaluation equipment on the market.
Our unique systems perform FCE's using an adjustable
lifting platform that contains a series of highly accurate
"force sensors". With the addition of a direct
computer interface to allow for automation of the measurements
in the testing process, the accuracy and objectivity
of the computer generated FCE is assured. Our equipment
also has the ability to perform "whole body"
static strength testing in accordance with NIOSH (National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)
 Heart
rate monitoring during testing allows for
automatic computerized integration and interpretation
of heart rate values. The heart rate corresponds to
the protocols (tasks) being performed at any given time
during the test. These protocols, (lifting, pushing,
pulling, etc.), measure virtually any aspect of human
physical activity. The use of heart rate monitoring
also ensures maximum voluntary effort and validity of
performance.
 Dynamic
lifting tasks are performed on an occasional or frequent basis to establish
the maximum and safe lifting ability of an individual. A unique
feature of our systems is the Universal Taskmaster.
This attachment is the only mechanism presently on the
market that can measure right and left side forces individually
and simultaneously. This allows for accurate evaluation
of compensatory biomechanical leveraging. The taskmaster
is the only static strenth test to employ dual load
cells, with adjustable positioning and interchanable
handles, accounting for an unlimited number of strength
measurement positions. Positioning of handles can be
made to a hand spread to 0.1 of an inch to 49 inches
and the main force measurement device can accurately
document values from 0-500 lbs.
 Universal
Taskmaster Features:
Using the UTM, the clinician has the ability to independently set the hand positioning .
The UTM is able to bilaterally and simultaneously measure left and right side forces for lifting,
pushing and pulling strength in order to accurately determine the abilities of the patient / worker.
This creates automatic determination of combined forces as well as the comparison of right vs. left side
strength differences. The clinician can also set the height of the lift, push or pull in 1/10 of an inch
intervals This ability to set the spread of the hands out to 49 inches at 1/10 intervals enables one to
accurately replicate how work is performed (drywall or sheet glass lift etc.) Co-efficient of variation
of each side is measured in order to determine consistency of effort. Real time simultaneous force
curves address issues such as fatigue, effects of pathology and maximum voluntary effort.
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