Research from the University of Portsmouth has revealed that while high-support sports bras effectively reduce breast bounce, they may inadvertently harm spinal health.

The study employed a novel female-specific musculoskeletal model to analyze the relationship between spinal moments and breast motion during physical activity.

Dr. Mills highlighted the importance of achieving a balance in bra design to minimize breast movement without placing excessive strain on spinal muscles.

The research involved a single female participant with a 34DD bra size, who was assessed under three different conditions: without a bra, wearing an everyday bra, and in a sports bra.

Findings indicated that women wearing sports bras exhibited a more upright torso position while running, suggesting that different types of bras can influence running form.

Interestingly, the study suggests that some breast movement may act as a natural shock absorber, potentially reducing stress on the spine, especially for women with larger breasts.

The developed musculoskeletal model could be instrumental in creating personalized rehabilitation programs and bras that cater to individual body mechanics, thereby enhancing performance and minimizing injury risk.

Additionally, this subject-specific model can assist in predicting rehabilitation needs for women recovering from breast surgery, aiming to alleviate spinal loading and improve recovery.

Overall, the musculoskeletal model serves as a valuable tool for formulating rehabilitation strategies post-breast surgery, ultimately enhancing spinal health and athletic performance.

However, the study raises concerns that manufacturers' claims of maximum support and bounce reduction might lead to musculoskeletal issues due to the restrictive nature of their designs.