Supervisors info:
Μανδαλίδης Δ., Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, ΣΕΦΑΑ, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The bra is considered an essential women's garment, particularly during athletic activities, as it helps limit the displacement of the breast and protect its tissue. However, when its fit is excessively tight, it may restrict the movement of the thoracic wall and negatively impact respiratory function.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of two different types of bras on the respiratory function of young women during walking. Specifically, it investigated whether the pressure exerted by a fashion or a sports bra has any effect on the displacement of the thoracic and abdominal walls during breathing.
The study involved 8 young, healthy women (aged 22 ± 1 year, height 169.6 ± 6.8 cm, body mass 63.8 ± 7.3 kg, and bra size A-C), who underwent a walking test on a treadmill at their preferred comfortable speed under three measurement conditions: (a) without a bra, (b) with a fashion bra, and (c) with a sports bra.
In all three measurement conditions, the displacement of the thoracic and abdominal walls was recorded using inductive plethysmography, with the use of two belts. In the conditions with bra, prior to the walking test, the pressure exerted by the underband of the bra on the skin was recorded at four different points using specialized sensors, and a subjective assessment of the bra's comfort was made using a visual analog scale. Additionally, an assessment of the fit of the fashion bra was conducted using professional criteria for appropriate fit.
The results showed that the use of bra, whether a fashion or a sports bra, did not significantly affect the movement of the thoracic and abdominal walls during breathing, meaning it did not cause any change in the respiratory pattern. Moreover, the pressure exerted by the bra on the skin was very small and considered negligible.
In conclusion, the study indicates that during low-intensity exercise, a fashion or sports bra, as long as it is not tightly fitted, does not affect the movement of the thoracic and abdominal walls during breathing. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of the bra's impact on women's respiratory function, further research is recommended.
Keywords: women's breast, fashion bra, sports bra, respiratory function, breathing pattern.
Keywords:
Women's breast, fashion bra, sports bra, respiratory function, breathing pattern
