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by Dr. Julia M.K. Alleyne
It's been twenty years since manufacturers designed the
first sports bra as a garment for women to use while they
exercise. Initially, manufacturers thought women would feel
more comfortable exercising if they were able to eliminate
the "bounce factor". In an age when we are actively promoting
exercise, healthy breast care has become a growing concern
for every woman. Breast pain often leads to a reduced frequency
and intensity of exercise, yet women do not feel comfortable
approaching health care professionals about their breast
care issues. Women often struggle with their own self-help
solutions. Yet, a little knowledge may go a long way.
Breasts are no more fragile than women themselves. Without
a direct, powerful blow to the chest, it's very difficult
to damage the breasts while exercising. Contrary to popular
belief, exercise will not lead to saggy breasts or an inability
to breast-feed. Sagging is due to hormonal and tissue changes.
Despite the fears of breast damage from exercise, women
were encouraged to use mild exercise to enhance their bust.
One popular arm and chest exercise was accompanied by the
chant of "we must, we must, we must increase our bust...".
Exercise may contribute to increased chest muscle tone and
body fat reduction but will not change the size of the breast
itself.
The most common reasons for breast pain during exercise
are often related to:
- Improper fit of the sports bra (wrong size, poor choice
of style for you)
- Worn-out garment that has lost its supportive features
(dead bra)
- Poor match of movement demands (impact level) with garment
features
The most common problems encountered are:
- Chafing and abrasions
- Bruising and contusions
- Breast tenderness and soreness
Recommendations
| Issue |
Garment Solution |
| Activity Type |
|
| Impact |
Supportive encapsulating or compression design, wicking
fabric |
| Endurance |
Ventilation, porous fabric, wicking fabric |
| Contact |
Protective padding |
| Bruising |
Wider shoulder straps, less anterior compression,
separating cup (encapsulating) style |
| Nipple Chafing |
Seamless cups, wicking material |
| Breast Displacement |
Compression style garment, full figure
support, spandex body suit for additional support, proper
sizing and fit |
Dr. Julia M.K. Alleyne
Dr. Alleyne is currently Medical Director at Sport C.A.R.E,
Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Science Centre.
Key Board and Advisory Positions are as Chief Medical
Officer with the Canadian Figure Skating Association, Board
Member for the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine and Health
Advisory Panel Member for Canadian Living Magazine.
Dr. Alleyne was granted a US Patent for a Sport Bra Design
in May 2000.
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