Week 3 – Sampling
HPR460: Analysis of Health Research
When a large population is being studied it is critical to use a sample to collect the necessary data
to be collected for research analysis. Sampling helps the individual to analyze data from the
sample and then apply the analyzed data to the entire population. Using sample sized enables the
researchers to be able to complete their research faster, figure out complex situations, and save
them money. In the article by Westrom et.al., it details the study of individuals with low back
pain and by using multidisciplinary management of low back pain is more effective than
monodisciplinary care (2010). This paper will discuss the methodology used to gain the study’s
sample and determine if it was effective.
Population, Methods, Participation
In researching and obtaining data the study recruited 200 participants from the Twin Cities
metropolitan area. They found participants by using postcard mailings, brochures, online
advertisements, and weblinks on the University’s website. Although there were certain eligibility
requirements which were that participants had to be over the age of 18 with current low back
pain that has lasted for more than six weeks and met the Quebec Task Force classifications
(Westrom et.al., 2010). The Quebec Task Force classifications are 1,2,3, or 4 which are back
pain, stiff or tenderness, and their pain as being mechanical. The responding participants were
excluded from the study if their scores on the 0-10 pain rating scale were less than three, if they
had inflammation, destructive tissue on the spine, surgical lumbar fusion, and multiple lumbar
surgeries (Westrom et.al., 2010).
The interested participants were supposed to contact the researchers and give them their answers
to the questionnaire to make sure they were eligible to participate. Once contacted the
researchers would schedule the eligible participants to take the baseline evaluation also called the