Objectives: High support sports bras have received extensive attention based on the reduction of vertical displacement and therefore breast pain in females D cup or greater. However, optimal style high support sports bras for A-C as well as D+ cup has yet to be identified. The aim of this study is to identify electromyography (EMG) activity of Upper Trapezius (UT) and Pectoralis Major (PM) during a 7-minute treadmill run in a bare breast condition and 2 differing sports bra conditions; compression (CSB) and encapsulated (ESB).
Methods: Twenty-four female participants were split into two groups; A-C cup (n=13) and D+ cup (n=11). All participants completed a two-minute bare breasted treadmill run as well as two 7-minute treadmill runs, in CSB and ESB. At the end of minute 6 and 7, UT and PM muscle activity was recorded using EMG in 10 second intervals. Breast pain ratings (BPR) was recorded at the end of each breast support condition using a 1-10 visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Bare breast running showed significant elevation in BPR (5.96 ± 2.32) compared to either sports bra condition, CSB (1.68 ± 2.15) and ESB (1.20 ± 1.44). Breast size did not contribute to a significant difference across the 3 breast support conditions for either UT or PM muscle activity or BPR.
Conclusion: This study supported previous literature suggesting vertical breast displacement is strongly correlated with breast pain however did not differ based on breast size. Also, increased PM activity during the bare breast condition was theorised as a consequence to enhanced breast pain and therefore amplified tension surrounding the breast in an attempt to limit breast movement. Confidence can be taken in the effectiveness of wearing a high support sports bra; CSB or ESB, to limit breast displacement and subsequent breast pain in females, regardless of breast size