The shift between the first and second judgment was on an average of 0.7 cm (SD 0.5). Therefore, a shift of <1.2 cm is regarded as not intentional (average + 1 SD) and thus, not clinically relevant. Moreover, in previous studies in which VAS were used, shifts between 9 and 13 mm were considered to be clinically relevant

(Kelly 1998; Gallagher et al. 2001; Bodian et al. 2001; Ehrich et al. 2000). In these studies, the VAS was used on an individual level and analysed on a group level, which is also the procedure in the present study. Data analysis The age of the IPs and of the claimants in the two groups, and the number of years’ experience the IPs had in work-ability assessment, Apoptosis inhibitor were given as a mean value with the standard deviation. Other characteristics were noted as numbers and percentages. A shift of more than 1.2 cm in the judgment of the IPs was considered a difference between first and second assessment. The McNemar

Chi-square test for paired samples was used to test the significance of the effect of FCE information on IPs’ judgment of physical work ability (Altman 1991). Tests were performed for the 12 activities as a whole, as well as for the separate activities. The Bonferroni correction was applied, as a result of which a P-value smaller than 0.004 was considered to be statistically significant. The relation between the results of the FCE assessment and find more the shift in judgment of the IPs was first studied

by classifying Edoxaban the results of the FCE assessment for each activity into our separate classes. These classes were: 0–33% (class 1), 34–50% (class 2), 51–66% (class 3) and 67–100% (class 4). These classes represent the ability to perform that activity during a whole day (higher number means better abilities). In addition, some strenuous activities, such as kneeling, movements above shoulder height, dynamic movements of the trunk, and reaching, cannot be performed during the whole day according to the Ergo Kit FCE. The maximum ability for these strenuous activities is set at 66% for the whole day and these classes were recalculated starting from 0 to 66% into four classes. Lifting and grip and pinch force are presented in the FCE report in kilograms and classified into norm scores by the test leader. The outcome and classes were: not possible, very low (class 1), low (class 2), average (class 3), high and very high (class 4). Second, the outcomes of 11 out of the 12 activities (static bend work postures is not summarized in the FCE report) were compared to the first VAS score by the IP. To this end, the VAS was divided proportionally into four categories as in the FCE classification. The categories were: 0–3.3 cm (class 1), 3.4–5.0 cm (class 2), 5.1–6.6 cm (class 3) and 6.7–10 cm (class 4). The classification for each activity in the four classes based on the first VAS score of the IP and the FCE result were compared.