Rethinking Sports Bras: Science and Straps
Joanna Wakefield-Scurr's research into sports bras reveals a complex mix of biomechanics and material science. With women in high-impact sports, the demand for effective support is rising.
Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, a biomechanics professor suffering from breast pain, embarked on what became a two-decade journey into sports bra research. Her quest to find a supportive bra wasn't just personal, it turned into a scientific mission. Leading an 18-member team at the University of Portsmouth, she's exploring the critical elements that make or break a sports bra.
Science and Support
What did Wakefield-Scurr's research uncover? Their studies indicate that high-impact sports bras with underwires, padded cups, adjustable bands, and hook-and-eye closures drastically reduce breast movement, by as much as 74%. But that's not the whole story. The numbers tell a different tale about comfort and effectiveness.
Consider this: breasts can move in three dimensions while running. They swing side to side, up and down, and even move forward and backward. It's a complex motion, not just a simple bounce. During an hour of slow jogging, breasts can move approximately 10,000 times. Clearly, movement isn't the only factor at play.
Challenges in Design
A poorly fitted bra can severely impact a woman's exercise routine. If it's too tight, it limits breathing. Too loose? You risk back, shoulder, and neck pain. And there's the uncomfortable phenomenon of 'breast slap', the lag between torso and breast movement. This discomfort is a major barrier to women exercising, yet a well-designed sports bra can change that narrative.
So what do women prefer: compression or encapsulation? There's no consensus yet. Researchers are still trying to figure out whether reducing breast motion, speed, or slap is most important. Are women destined to forever choose between comfort and support?
Innovation on the Horizon
Wakefield-Scurr is optimistic about new materials that adapt to movement. She's collaborating with fabric manufacturers and clothing companies to test these innovations. As more women engage in high-impact sports, understanding what makes a good bra is more important than ever. Her lab's demand is surging, a testament to the growing need for better sports bras.
So, here's the question: Why has it taken so long to make real progress in sports bra design? The reality is, the architecture matters more than the parameter count. As science catches up with demand, women might finally get the support they've been seeking.