Arcon FCE

Functional Capacity Evaluation Brochure

Click for PDf Brochure
Isometric Lift
Dynamic Lift
Wireless Isometric Grip
Wireless Inclinometers
Wireless Heart Rate
Wireless Goniometer
Wireless Manual Muscle Tester
About Arcon Most FCE systems on the market today have been greatly influenced by the original Arcon FCE system.Our company began on the campus of the University of Michigan 40 years ago.The first product offered was the isometric strength testing system, which was developed at the U of M Center for Ergonomics.At this time, the NIOSH lifting guide was also written by the researchers at the U of M Center for Ergonomics. The first Arcon customers were the major corporations, who used the technology for pre-employment strength testing. The product was then adapted for use in the medical field for Functional Capacity Testing. From this beginning, our equipment, software and protocols have evolved into the complete Arcon FCE system.
The Arcon FCE system uses state of the art testing equipment. What makes the Arcon the right choice when compared to other FCE systems?Its the Arcon software and FCE protocols. Arcon has the largest customer base of FCE users. The Arcon FCE reports are recognized as an industry standard by case managers, doctors and physical therapists. We have streamlined our FCE equipment to conserve the space needed in your clinic to perform FCEs.Our software and protocols will allow you to perform a FCE and report in approximately 2- 3 hours. We hope to add you to our growing list of satisfied customers!

  • The Problem

    Liberty Mutual Insurance Company reported that 80% of the one billion dollars in workers compensation benefits spent in one year were related to low back injuries on the job.There is approximately 20 million people in the United States that have a musculoskeletal impairment, and it is believed that sometime between the ages of 18 and 55 most of the population will experience serious back pain. Musculoskeletal problems rank: 2nd in frequency of visits to doctors;5th in the number of visits to the hospitals;3rd in the number of operations in hospitals.

  • A Solution

    Strength testing, to prevent placing a worker on a job that demands lifting weight beyond their tested strength capabilities.Strength testing injured workers to determine their loss of strength. Setting lifting restrictions based on these strength tests for return to work.

  • The Cost

    The average reimbursement for a functional capacity evaluation is $800 to $1,000. If a clinic performs 5 FCES per month, it will take approximately 3 to 4 months to recoup the investment made on the purchase of an Arcon FCE system.
Pre-employment screening for Manual Lifting "The further the your hands are away from the L5/S1 during manual lifting the more strenuous the lift." In the 1980's the University of Michigan was commissioned by the NASA space program to develop a computer model that would calculate stress placed on the human body during manual lifting.The Center for Ergonomics at U of M was also working on the NIOSH Guide for Manual lifting at this time.The researchers determined one of the major points of stress during lifting was the lower back L5/S1. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company reported that 80% of the one billion dollars in workers compensation benefits spent in a year were related to low back injuries on the job.
Isometric strength testing studies were performed by the researchers at the Center for Ergonomics for United Airlines, Alcoa Aluminum and Firestone Tire and Rubber. All the material handling jobs for these companies were analyzed and given a job description. From these job descriptions, six critical lifts were identified. And at least one of these lifts could be found in each job description.These six lifting positions can now be found in the NIOSH lifting manual.Today these lifts are used in pre-employment testing. The idea is to place the stronger workers on the more strenuous jobs.
The present isometric testing system sold by Arcon is an updated version of the system used in these studies. The reason the researchers used isometric strength testing over other methods of strength testing was for the following reasons: Safe to Administer. Reliable and repeatable.
 Related to job requirements. Practical. Predictive of risk of future injury.
A list of some companies who purcahsed our isometric strength system are as follows: United Airlines - Iowa Beef Packing - General Tire &Rubber - Busch Entertainment - Exxon Mobil -Cargill - Western Electric - ALDI, Inc. - Michigan Consolidated Gas - US Army - US Department of Navy -Marathon Oil company - Wierton Steel - Supervalue Stores - Phoenix Fire Department -State Electrical Commission Australia - Ohio Industrial Commission - General Motors Institute -Seaboard System Railroad - Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation - NIOSH - Department of Health Australia - Bureau of Mines Pennsylvania.