Validation of sincerity of effort

Issue title: Functional Capacity Assessment

Guest editors: R. Steele-RosomoffGuest Editor and E. Abdel-MotyGuest Editor

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Simonsen, John C.^*;

Affiliations: Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, 1903 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author, Tel.: + 1 910 7186700; fax: + 1 910 7186790.

Abstract: Sincerity of subject effort is critical to the functional capacity assessment process. This review examines attempts at devising ways of objectively determining whether an evaluee performed his best during functional assessment. It is concluded that good, but not conclusive, evidence of submaximal performance can be gained in some evaluees. The 5 hand position and the rapid exchange grip tests are the best validated and most practical tests devised which can provide evidence of malingering. EMG measurements, although not as practical, may be even better. Further research is needed to further validate these tests as reliable methods of determining sincerity of subject effort

Keywords: Sincerity of effort, Validation tests, Submaximal performance

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1996-6309

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 289-295, 1996