Study to take out the bounce
GEELONG researchers are on a mission to take the bounce out of sports bras and ensure women’s breasts are properly supported during exercise.
Studies have found women’s breasts can register more than 10cm of movement during exercise, leading to potential ligament tears and extreme discomfort.
Deakin School of Engineering, in conjunction with the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, is leading a trial of breast movement in order to develop better designed sporting apparel and encourage more women to stay active.
Lead researcher Rory Purdie is looking for women to take part in the trial that will help researchers develop a thorough understanding of breast movement.
The PhD candidate said this research would be vital to developing a design that could make a difference to women’s lives and their experience of exercise. “Breast pain and discomfort can be a major inhibitor to exercise, so a better understanding of breast movement will go a long way towards designing the next generation of supportive and comfortable sports apparel,” Ms Purdie said. “This is an important topic, and something that directly impacts women’s health and wellbeing.” Women aged between 18 and 40 who wear 14B, 12C or 10D size bra and currently run two to three times a week, have never been pregnant, are free from injury and not undergone breast augmentation procedures are invited to take part in the study. To learn more about the trial, visit https://goo.gl/ forms/L8IgSqLAsr5WIUvj2.