Under controlled conditions the person's speed, strength, endurance & mobility are assessed, then this information is related to the demands of related workplace tasks and performance standards.

From the professional interpretation of this data, functional capacity & safe limits can be determined to guide the return to work process. To assist the return to work process, it identifies those activities that the worker can safely do within the workplace requirements, how long they can do them without aggravation to the existing injury, and what changes in technique or work practices need to be implemented.