Inter- and intra-rater reliability of the manual handling component of the WorkHab Functional Capacity Evaluation

The WorkHab Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is widely used in Australian workplace injury management and occupational rehabilitation arenas; however, there is a lack of published literature regarding its reliability and validity. Purpose: This study investigated the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the manual handling component of this FCE. Method: A DVD was produced containing footage of the manual handling components of the WorkHab conducted with four injured workers. Therapist raters (n == 17) who were trained and accredited in use of the WorkHab FCE scored these components and 14 raters re-evaluated them after approximately 2 weeks. Ratings were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), paired sample t-tests (intra-rater), chi-squared (inter-rater) and percentage agreement. Results: Intra-rater agreement was high with ICCs for the manual handling components and manual handling score showing excellent reliability (0.94–0.98) and good reliability for identification of the safe maximal lift (ICC: 0.81). Overall inter-rater agreement ranged from good to excellent for the manual handling components and safe maximal lift determination (ICC > 0.9). Agreement for safe maximal lift identification was good. Conclusions: Ratings demonstrated substantial levels of intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for the lifting components of the WorkHab FCEs