FCE Equipment
Make your equipment work harder while you work smarter
Maximize Equipment Efficiency for Smarter Workflows
The sophistication of the ErgoScience PWPE lies in its scoring algorithms and AI. This means you can buy generic FCE equipment from a vendor of your choice.
The Metro shelving open-wire unit is recommended because it is sturdy and easy to quickly adjust shelves as needed for lifting tasks. Shelving unit should have adjustable shelves, the easier, the better.
An electronic BP cuff is simple easy and affordable, however, if your clinic already owns a sphygmomanometer, this is sufficient.
For clinician’s convenience during testing and for
storing weights.
Weights are used in multiple tasks. They may be placed in lift boxes to increase weight or added to the sled for push/pull task.
Several different types and brands of hand dynamometers are available. You can choose between digital and analogue. The Jamar Hydraulic Dynamometer and the Dynatron are models frequently chosen by our providers.
We recommend a sturdy toolbox to use during the one-handed carrying task. Ideally, this would have dual clasps and should be deep enough to hold 25 lb disk weights placed in horizontally to allow the interior of the tool box to be loaded with 50-100 lbs of weight for clients with this kind of strength.
Evaluators need the ability to monitor HR. We suggest a device which allows you to set a HR target and gives an alarm when this is exceeded. You can use a pulse oximeter or optical HR monitor worn on wrist or forearm (like a Fitbit Charge or similar) though these devices do not offer HR monitor alarms so you have to check the device during the task to make sure safe maximum HR’s are not being exceeded.
Lift Box Small- Recommended size 10″ x 10″ x 14″ with post in the middle to hold disc weights in place.
Lift Box Medium – Recommended size 12″ x 12″ x 14″ with post in the middle to hold disc weights in place.
Lift Box Large – Recommended size 14″ x 14″ x 14″ with post in the middle to hold disc weights in place.
Please note that box sizes are approximate and vary by vendor.
For patient with low strength who might find repeated handling of the empty small lift box too difficult, we recommend having available a light weight plastic crate (like milk crate) or even sturdy cardboard box with handles (like copy paper, wine or oranges might be sold). This light weight crate can be used for floor to waist lifting, repetitive squatting and repetitive trunk rotation tasks when evaluating low strength patients.
A yoga mat or knee pads are helpful to provide padding between knees and floor during the kneeling task and sustained squat task. To provide padding during the 50 ft. crawling task, knee pads or a 25 ft length of carpet runner mat can be used.
There are many options out there. Clinics are free to choose digital or analog versions as determined by preference and budget. ErgoScience likes the digital Chatillon force gauge, especially if you plan to expand into additional areas such as job demands analysis and pre-hire screens. You can find used push/pull dynamometers on eBay for a good price. (Two options may be listed on the equipment list, but you only need one push/pull dynamometer)
depending on the model/brand of force gauge you purchase you may need to purchase an accessory kit or handle. For instance, with the Chatillon, the FCE accessory kit is optional but helpful. With the Baseline force gauge, you will need to purchase a handle.
This item is used for the push/pull tasks and will be loaded with weights. We like the Bailey weight sled. Can be purchased or carpentry plans are available to build from wood. A good carpenter could build a sled.
An 18” ruler is listed as equipment for the Response Speed Coordination test but a 12″ ruler also works. Material is not important; it may be plastic, wood or metal.
If you have access to stairs near or inside your clinic, there is no need to purchase stairs. If you do not have access to stairs, you may consider purchasing rehab stairs or building a set. A stair climber machine may be an option as long as it requires a foot-over-foot stepping motion.
We recommend using a stepladder rated to support a user weighing at least 300 lbs. (Ladders are sold with type ratings—Type 1A ladders are rated at 300 pounds, Type 1AA ladders are rated at 375 pounds, and Type 1AAA ladders are available with a 500-pound rating.) A step ladder is more sturdy and safer than an extension ladder. Either a 6’ or 8’ step ladder is acceptable.
For timing tasks. Clock app on smart phones will also work.
Clinics need approximately 100 nuts, bolts, and washers each to perform simple small item sorting or assembly tasks during various Position Tolerance tasks. These can be stored in the containers/trays referenced below.
Four containers are needed. ErgoScience recommends 1 approximately 11” L x 8” w x 2.5” H / deep and 3 approximately 9.25” L x 6.5” w x 2.25” H / deep. Rubbermaid trays are durable and easy to store.
(Approximately 10 inches long) To be looped around the handle of the weight sled to measure pull forces via the hook attachment of the force gauge.
Dexterity testing is an optional section of the ErgoScience PWPE used primarily for upper extremity tests. Users can choose to purchase any of the dexterity tests that are appropriate for the types of testing they will be doing. When purchasing, consider the industry in your area to gauge which tests will best fit your needs. Most fine motor dexterity testing needs can be met using the Purdue Pegboard and Minnesota Dexterity tests. However, if you will be testing a lot of construction workers, mechanics or manual labor positions, the Hand Tool test may also be helpful. The O’Connor Tweezer test would be well suited for testing dexterity on patients who work with their fingers, putting small pieces together, much like a worker in a small parts assembly plant, a dentist, or a surgeon. If a user prefers to use another dexterity test because it is more job-specific, they are free to do so.
A general hand dexterity test that does not involve the use of tools.
A general finger dexterity test that does not involve the use of tools.
Tests finger dexterity and involves the use of tools.
Tests hand dexterity and involves the use of small hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.
Looking for live training?
ErgoScience will come to you.
Contact Us for Expert Workplace Assessments & Evaluations!
Download the equipment list for details on each item.
Need to purchase equipment? Check out GNR catalog for most of the pieces you need. Visit MetroShelving for shelf unit.
