Additional Information The Center for Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics (C.O.R.E.) is a comprehensive work conditioning program. Its primary goal is safely returning clients to the workforce. This program is administered by experienced occupational and physical therapists from the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. C.O.R.E. employs the philosophy of the Isernhagen Work System. The program is based on a kinesiophysical model, which allows the tester to base maximum function on objective physical findings. Safe procedures are used to prevent any injuries during testing situations. Although the program will assist the client with pain reduction, the primary goal is returning the client to the workforce. C.O.R.E. provides the following services: Musculoskeletal Evaluation All clients undergo this evaluation, which assesses full body function, upon entrance into the program. The goal is to match physical dysfunction from this evaluation with findings on the Functional Capacity Evaluation (see description below). The musculoskeletal evaluation looks specifically at strength, posture, flexibility, gait, sensation, and reflexes. Functional Capacity Evaluation The Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a two-day assessment of the client's functional capabilities. The test safely and objectively measures: - repetitive lifting capacity at various levels
- repetitive push, pull, and carrying capacities
- hand grip strength
- tolerance for elevated work
- prolonged trunk flexion in sitting and standing
- prolonged trunk rotation in sitting and standing
- prolonged crawl, knee and sustained crouch positions
- repetitive squat
- tolerance for prolonged sitting and standing
- maximum walking, stairs and stepladder capacity
- balance
- hand coordination
Following the FCE, results and recommendations are discussed with the client and referral source. Additional Services Modified Functional Capacity Evaluation is a modified FCE is performed when the return-to-work process is uncomplicated. This is determined by the evaluating therapist. The modified FCE involves tests selected from the full FCE list. The evaluation includes complete review of results and recommendations with the client. Pre-Work Screen (PWS) is a job-specific screening process. It involves functional testing to screen a client for a particular job. While the evaluating therapist may determine whether the client can meet the job demands, it is the sole responsibility of the employer to make the hiring decisions. Functional Job Analysis (FJA) involves analysis of a particular job with a detailed descriptive write-up. The analysis is consistent with the philosophy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and utilizes input from the employee and employer. Information is acquired through objective measurements from on-site observation and videotaping. Once the job description is developed, our experienced staff will provide information on how the job could be modified to make the work site safer for all employees. Work Conditioning is a program that trains the client to return to a particular job. The program provides educational sessions, a complete exercise program and simulated work activities. Clients assist in setting goals every week and are discharged from the program if the goals are not met. The length of the program can range from two to six weeks. Referral information Clients may be referred for any of the above services after their post-injury acute management has been completed. Clients must be referred by a physician and must have a signed referral form on arrival. All referrals must be accompanied by a client history and job description. If you are unable to obtain this information, C.O.R.E. can assist you. After referring a client to the C.O.R.E. program, you can expect timely evaluations and treatment, competitive and controlled costs, and timely and thorough documentation. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a client for any of C.O.R.E.'s comprehensive services, please contact us: Center for Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics (C.O.R.E.)
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Meyer 1-130
600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287-5187
Phone: 410-614-3234 | 
