Functional Self-Efficacy Beliefs Influence Functional Capacity Evaluation

Objectives: The relationship between functional self-efficacy and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) lift performance was examined in workers’ compensation claimants’ with low back pain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Forty-two claimants with back pain and 38 subjects without back pain were enrolled. Subjects completed a measure of functional self-efficacy related specifically to lifting. Subjects also underwent FCE floor-to-waist, waist-to-overhead and horizontal lift testing. Potential confounders were also assessed including perceived disability, pain intensity, and self-rated health. Analysis included Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression. Results: Higher functional self-efficacy beliefs were highly associated with better FCE performance on each of the lift items tested (r = 0.50–0.73). In multivariable analysis, the measure of functional self-efficacy remained independently associated with lift performance after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion: Functional self-efficacy beliefs appear to influence FCE lift performance. Strategies for altering functional self-efficacy beliefs and their resulting impact on patient functional performance and outcomes should be examined.