How to know if you are wearing a well-fitted bra during sport

Front of Bra

How to know if you are wearing a well-fitted bra during sport

The need for a well-fitting bra during sport and physical activity is becoming more and more important as research investigates the matter. Whilst the medical implications of excessive breast motion and resultant breast pain are yet to be examined, the fact that pain is apparent suggests that some damage may be caused to internal structures of the breast tissue as a result of excessive breast motion.

These implications, combined with the reduction or withdrawal from exercise as a result, necessitate the need for appropriate breast support to female athlete’s during physical activity.

As the female breast contains no supportive muscle or bone, breast tissue is relatively free to move over the chest wall, especially during motion of the torso, such as that which occurs during physical activity such as jumping during volleyball.

Front of Bra

Whilst several school’s of thought suggest that the skin provides most of the anatomical support for the breast, recent research states that Cooper’s ligaments, the thin bands of fibrous tissue that divide the breast lobules and attach to the pectoralis muscles, play a major role in the body’s capacity to support the breast.

Recent research suggests that only 41% of female athletes wore an encapsulating sports bra during physical activity, with the main reason being a lack of awareness regarding the need for good breast support during exercise.

The main point expressed in research states that all female athlete’s of all sizes should be aware of the excessive strain placed upon the female breast during exercise, and have the knowledge/wherewithal to mitigate this strain with a well-fitted and supportive brassiere.

Key points for searching for a bra

Back of Bra
  • Crossed back orientation results in reduced pain and pressure from shoulder straps, and reduced breast movement. This also limits the likelihood of bra straps slipping down during exercise.
  • Individual support for each breast with a separate cup allows for reduction in movement during exercise, with each breast appropriately supported independent of each other.
  • Firm, but not cutting, tightness around the rib cage is important to avoid too much rotation and uplifting of the bra during movement. 
  • Cushioning of both cup and strap is not as important as ensuring the bra is well fitting, allowing for the least amount of movement possible during exercise.
  • After having your bra for a small period of time, a strap tightening adjustment may needed.

A wider strap that is greater than a pencil width is advised.

To find out more information about bra fitting to assist you in playing Volleyball, make an appointment with us today. Call us on 07 3352 5116 or book an appointment online!

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