a game requirement
wearing a bra that is too tight limit breathing. Wearing too loose can cause problems back, shoulder and neck pain. Pain may also be caused by a lag between the movement of the torso and the breast, scientifically known as “breast slapping.”
The lab’s research also showed that the physical discomfort caused by a bad bra, along with the embarrassment of it falling apart, is one of the biggest problems barriers to exercise For women and if women have good sports bras, they are more inclined to run.
an open question
Some bras intentionally suppress the breasts. Others surround and support each individual breast. But scientists still don’t know whether reducing the movement of breasts altogether, reducing the speed at which they move, or reducing breast slap is more important biomechanically. Will women be forced to constantly choose between the comfort of more stretchy bras and the support of more restrictive bras?
Wakefield-Scurr is excited about new materials they’ve tested that tighten or stretch depending on how you move. She is working with clothing manufacturers and textile companies to try out their wares.
As more women take up high-impact sports, there is a growing need to understand what makes a good bra. Wakefield-Scurr says her lab can’t keep up with the demand. They ran out of cups.
Sarah Harrison is a freelance journalist who writes about science, technology and health.
