Burden of proof in detection of submaximal effort

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Baker, Jennifer C.^;

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: 3605 Tanager Drive, Erie, PA 16506, USA. Tel.: +1 814 8380184.

Abstract: The recent increase in workers' compensation litigation and the escalating costs of healthcare have created a need for accurate identification of individuals who put forth submaximal effort during functional capacity testing. This paper reviews methods healthcare professionals can use to prove submaximal efforts and specifically addresses the importance of test reliability, subjective and objective measures of submaximal effort (including the DASH questionnaire, 5-rung and rapid exchange grip strength measures, forced-choice testing and the MMPI), techniques used to elicit maximal effort and test accuracy and patient motivations and examiner biases. Use of these methods will contribute to the establishment of a functionally sound healthcare system.

Keywords: Submaximal effort, Functional capacity testing, Malingering detection

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1998-10110

Journal: Work, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 63-70, 1998