University of Wollongong launches Free Sports Bra Fitting App

Researchers at Breast Research Australia (BRA) at the University of Wollongong (UOW), have developed a free iTunes and web-based app to help women choose a well-fitting, supportive sports bra that is comfortable to wear during exercise.

The “Sports Bra” app is the only one in the world to contain evidence-based information for choosing the perfect fitting sports bra.

Dr Deirdre McGhee from Breast Research Australia, based in the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at UOW, said 85 per cent of Australian women are wearing the wrong size bra.

“Finding and trying on bras can be frustrating, exhausting and time consuming. With so many bras to choose from, the task of finding a well-fitting, supportive sports bra can seem overwhelming,” said Dr McGhee. “And like running shoes, if a bra does not fit correctly, it cannot provide sufficient support, even if it is one of the best designed sports bras available on the market.”

Using step-by-step instructions combined with clearly labelled photographs and movies, the app, guides the user in finding the right bra for their exercise needs.

Dr McGhee said the app was designed to encourage women to participate in physical activity and enjoy the health benefits associated with an active lifestyle.

“Sports Bra is designed to empower women to choose a well-fitted and supportive bra so they can participate comfortably in activities of daily living, work and recreation, irrespective of breast size.”

A poor bra fit and insufficient breast support during physical activity can lead to excessive breast movement, which in turn can cause embarrassment and breast discomfort, and in extreme cases, can contribute to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems such as upper limb neural symptoms and neck and back pain.

“A well-fitted and supportive bra can alleviate up to 85 per cent of these symptoms, allowing women to exercise in greater comfort and possibly removing the need for breast reduction surgery.”

A well-fitted bra should sit flat against the sternum, contain no winkles or gaps, and no bulging of breasts over the top or sides of the cups. The straps should also be firm but not sliding off, or digging in to your skin.

“Two key indicators that you have achieved sufficient breast support are: minimal breast movement, with your breasts moving in synchrony with your trunk, and no breast discomfort.”

The Sports Bra app is currently available for free download from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sports-bra/id584698076?mt=8 and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

We are told that the free web-based app will be available for download from the University of Wollongong website soon.