Electronic versions

  • Joanna Wakefield-Scurr
    University of Portsmouth
  • Amy Sanchez
    University of Portsmouth
  • Melissa Jones
    University of Portsmouth

Appropriate breast support is recommended in sport; however, what constitutes appropriate support is complex, individual and often sports specific, particularly in elite sport given the wear duration. This intervention educated, assessed and advised elite British female athletes on breasts and bras; those with unresolved issues engaged in bespoke bra interventions. Following educational workshops (n = 80), breast/bra surveys (n = 60), individual bra assessments (n = 37); a rower, shooter, and hockey player participated in the bespoke bra intervention. Eighty-three per cent of athletes rated their breast/bra knowledge as ≤average. Fifty-one per cent experienced breast pain, affecting performance for 29%; seven used medication and one surgery to relieve symptoms. In individual bra assessments most wore ill-fitting, unsupportive bras and wanted bra advice. Bespoke bra interventions eliminated breast pain: for the rower, improved breast position and spine rotation; for the shooter, repositioned tissue and improved performance; and for the hockey player, accommodated smart devices. Whilst bespoke bra development is challenging, most elite athlete breast/bra issues are resolved via education, advice and fitting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)703-718
Number of pages16
JournalResearch in Sports Medicine
Volume31
Issue number5
Early online date14 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2023
Externally publishedYes
View graph of relations