The kinematics of supported and unsupported breast displacement during standard incremental treadmill activity and two-step star jumping

Abstract

This study looks at the biomechanical evaluation involving the measurement of breast displacement and allows a better understanding of breast kinematics and the support needed. The primary aim of the study was to determine how effective the Ultimate shock absorber bra (N04663) (HIU bra) is in reducing breast displacement and improving breast comfort during treadmill running and a two-step star jump test compared to a no bra condition, while wearing three different Shock Absorber support level bras, and participants’ own bra. A group of 17 female participants ages 17-39 were included in the study with cup sizes B-C. Breast measurements were recorded, followed by six randomly selected treadmill and two-step star jump conditions. Non-parametric statistics were used. A significant difference of p=0.039 and p=0.002 was found for residual displacement when comparing the HIU bra to the High impact support level bra and the control. The two-step star jump test showed similar results for residual displacement with the HIU bra compared to the Control and five bras (p=0.00) with the Medium impact support level bra p=0.002. This data illustrates that the HIU bra provides the best support while performing the two-step star jump test as well as in the treadmill test.