Hidden support for the lionesses: a breast/bra intervention
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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In: Research in Sports Medicine, 21.05.2024.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Hidden support for the lionesses
T2 - a breast/bra intervention
AU - Wakefield-Scurr, Joanna
AU - Jones, Melissa
AU - Jones, Brogan
AU - Whatling, Emily
AU - Mehta, Ritan
PY - 2024/5/21
Y1 - 2024/5/21
N2 - Despite health and performance benefits of appropriate breast support in sport, elite women athletes' knowledge of breasts/bras is poor leading to poor bra choices, breast pain and performance decrements. This multiphase intervention assessed breast/bra issues and preferences, individually prescribed sports bras and evaluated outcomes for the England Senior Women footballers. Breast/bra workshops were delivered to England players; all 36 completed pre-intervention surveys and breast/bra assessments, before being prescribed bras six weeks before European and World Championships (2022, 2023). 24 players completed post-intervention surveys. Pre-intervention outcomes identified poor knowledge, poor bra fit, many bra issues, and cultural sensitivities. Breast pain was prevalent (61%), with 25% reporting clinically significant breast pain. Post-intervention, players reported significant improvements with prescribed sports bras. 91% reported improvements in knowledge and benefiting from the intervention. This successful intervention provided an evidence-base for ongoing breast health initiatives with England Teams, plus roll-out to all levels of women's football.
AB - Despite health and performance benefits of appropriate breast support in sport, elite women athletes' knowledge of breasts/bras is poor leading to poor bra choices, breast pain and performance decrements. This multiphase intervention assessed breast/bra issues and preferences, individually prescribed sports bras and evaluated outcomes for the England Senior Women footballers. Breast/bra workshops were delivered to England players; all 36 completed pre-intervention surveys and breast/bra assessments, before being prescribed bras six weeks before European and World Championships (2022, 2023). 24 players completed post-intervention surveys. Pre-intervention outcomes identified poor knowledge, poor bra fit, many bra issues, and cultural sensitivities. Breast pain was prevalent (61%), with 25% reporting clinically significant breast pain. Post-intervention, players reported significant improvements with prescribed sports bras. 91% reported improvements in knowledge and benefiting from the intervention. This successful intervention provided an evidence-base for ongoing breast health initiatives with England Teams, plus roll-out to all levels of women's football.
U2 - 10.1080/15438627.2024.2357761
DO - 10.1080/15438627.2024.2357761
M3 - Article
C2 - 38771254
JO - Research in Sports Medicine
JF - Research in Sports Medicine
SN - 1543-8627
ER -