One Million Breast Bounces: Celebrating 20 years of world-leading research

Tara Vooght on behalf of the Research Group in Breast Health

The Research Group in Breast Health (RGBH) has recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. This is complemented by a documentation of one million breast bounces! Through this blog, take a look at the journey and testaments that have spanned across the years, from a singular woman experiencing breast pain to having the world's largest sports bra database. Find out some of the incredible statistics that have emerged, such as breasts having the acceleration of an F1 car, or how 80-100% of women wear the wrong size bra.

Who are we?

 The Research Group was founded in 2004, when Professor Joanna Wakefield Scurr recognised breast pain of her own while exercising. While not a complete phenomenon, research in breast and bra science was extremely limited and underfunded. Inevitably the Research Group was founded, a small group of researchers with the overarching aim of improving women's quality of life. This was to be achieved by improving scientific knowledge of breast health, informing the development of breast-related products and to raise awareness of this important aspect of women's health. The Group now comprises over 20 members, with a variety of different backgrounds and positions held. This includes professors of biomechanics, senior lecturers, post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, industry consultants and clinicians. The wide range of topics and research investigated spans from breast pain to bra fit, the influence of different environments to examining how garments influence the amount of breast movement.

The work and research are very multi-disciplinary, including expertise in areas of sports science, sports therapy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, clinicians and physicians. The work achieved by such projects over the years has led to some significant partnerships and collaborations, with global apparel brands and many elite sports teams. Vital connections have emerged within the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, College of Policing and many other institutions around the country. These individuals and partnerships gain the group's status of world leaders in the area of breast biomechanics; take a look at what some of the research has achieved over the years.

Breast biomechanics

Original testing methods of sports bras used motion capture using marker sets during treadmill activities such as running and walking. Simply a visual analysis of this data collection quickly revealed displacement in different bra styles, which vary with size and design of the garment. Although video motion capture during treadmill activities is still a highly respected method of data collection, the group's work has expanded extensively to collect biomechanics in different, specific areas. Collection over the 20 years has seen data collection underwater, in sport-specific activities such as rowing, horse riding, and occupational specifics for policing and military populations. Biomechanics has also evolved to the aid of digital technologies through the use of modelling, which has recently aided the reveal of implications of spinal loading that breasts and bra support have on the spine. Recently, the Group has also begun researching breast biomechanics with more clinical objectives, looking at how breast removal or implants affect the biomechanics of the breast and the implications on the rest of the body. This research has been complemented with modelling work, in which publications have recently discovered that a 100% support bra could have negative consequences on spinal loading and the rest of the body (1).  Breast biomechanics research is commonly used to inform the product development sector.

A decade of bra testing

 Reaching its ‘1 millionth breast bounce’ the RGBH Bra Testing Unit has become an internationally renowned initiative running for over 10 years now. The Bra Testing Unit runs a commercial service, whereby companies spanning from globally renowned apparel brands to start up business can test their sports bras for biomechanical and subjective feedback. With over 600+ bras tested through this, the Bra Testing Unit has the world's largest sports bra performance database, whereby any tested bras are compared against, based upon the bounce reduction they provide. ‘Packages’ are sold at either a Bronze, Silver and Gold level, with diverse assets offered at each level. The immense scope of data collected from this service has informed publications and supported impact case studies (2). The Bra Testing Unit now offers clients the ability to display a trademarked testing stamp, demonstrating a level of rigour and authenticity towards the design; many brands have used this on packaging labels and the Unit provides a competitive edge in the industry.

Assuring Breast Health

Findings show that the difference between a good sports bra and one with little support can affect your stride length by up to 4 cm, which, over the distance of a marathon, equates to a whole mile! An investigation into breast support at the London 2012 Marathon revealed that 75% of female runners reported bra-fitting issues (3), which supports findings of 80-100% of women wearing the wrong fitting bra (4) (5) (6). In light of this finding, best fit criteria were established to provide five key points providing a reputable guideline for bra fitting, whether that be in our labs or travelling across the globe to fit international women in the correct bra. All of this is done with the motive of protecting and preserving breast health. The breast anatomy comprises different tissues, which, if neglected, can propose issues such as mastalgia (breast pain) or ptosis (breast sag). Long-term wear of an ill-fitting bra can also lead to poor posture, upper body musculoskeletal problems or even bra furrows in the shoulders. These issues can cause barriers to exercise through embarrassment or discomfort from the movement. It is not yet known the extent that excessive breast movement has on delicate breast tissue in the long term, but preservation of tissue reduces these risks.

Educating the masses

The RGBH has a dedication to educating and informing different populations on breast and bra knowledge. One of these initiatives is the offering of bespoke workshops for different target groups. A bi-annual workshop runs, which is a popular opportunity for industry garment designers, startup companies, sports team physios and students to attend for ‘an afternoon of breast and bra science’. As part of the Research Group's aims, bra fitting is offered to local communities, elite athletes and sports teams, delivering tailored and bespoke workshops alongside. The Group now regularly works with international football teams, females in sport, ranging from golf to flag football. Another pinnacle aspect of the education the group offers is their ‘treasure your chest’ initiative, which is aimed at educating young girls on breasts and bras. A difficult and intimate subject, the resources aim to break down embarrassment and stigmas and fuel pubescent girls on the importance of breast health. All Treasure Your Chest resources are free and available to offer lesson plans and friendly resources to give education centres an opportunity to teach their pupils.

Conclusion

As the Group reaches such milestones in fundamental research and innovative projects, they continue to expand and broaden the horizons of research capability and recognition of breast health. Through ongoing collaborations and inputs to wider female health topics, the group remain committed to the fundamental aims of improving women's quality of life. Here’s to the next million breast bounces, and everything they’ll teach us.

For more information on The Research Group in Breast Health visit the website: here

Blog editor: Dr Tess Flood

Blog admin: Dr Jacky Forsyth