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Sports Bra Preferences by Age and Impact of Breast Size on Physical Activity among American Females

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine H. Rizzone

    (Department of Orthopaedics and Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14624, USA)

  • Bianca Edison

    (Department of Orthopaedics, University of South California, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA)

  • Nailah Coleman

    (Department of Pediatrics, Children’s National Hospital/George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • Cordelia Carter

    (Department of Orthopaedics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA)

  • Ingrid Ichesco

    (Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Paige Cassidy

    (Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Spectrum Health/Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 48197, USA)

  • Jane Chung

    (Department of Orthopaedics and Pediatrics Frisco, Scottish Rite for Children, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA)

  • Courtney Marie Cora Jones

    (Department of Orthopaedics and Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14624, USA
    Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14627, USA)

Abstract

For many females, sports bras are an essential piece of equipment for participation in sports and physical activity. Breast pain or discomfort from lack of support may be a contributing factor to the noted gender disparity in physical activity of females compared to males. Our objective was to evaluate sports bra usage and characterize sports bra preferences of an active female cohort. This multicenter cross-sectional survey study was conducted at five geographically distinct academic centers. Our measure was administered during outpatient sports medicine clinic visits to females aged 11–64 years old. Chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics across subgroups. Our analysis consisted of 438 respondents, with a mean age of 22 ± 12.2 years. More than a quarter (27.4%) reported lack of breast support prevented them from being active or exercising. Age ( p = 0.03), breast size ( p < 0.0001), and household income ( p = 0.01) were significantly associated with greater frequency of physical activity being limited by lack of breast support. Lack of breast support may be an important barrier for young females of specific populations to meeting physical activity recommendations. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of this important piece of sporting equipment for women.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine H. Rizzone & Bianca Edison & Nailah Coleman & Cordelia Carter & Ingrid Ichesco & Paige Cassidy & Jane Chung & Courtney Marie Cora Jones, 2021. "Sports Bra Preferences by Age and Impact of Breast Size on Physical Activity among American Females," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12732-:d:693954
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Betsey Stevenson, 2010. "Beyond the Classroom: Using Title IX to Measure the Return to High School Sports," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 92(2), pages 284-301, May.
    2. Betsey Stevenson, 2007. "Title Ix And The Evolution Of High School Sports," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 25(4), pages 486-505, October.
    3. Brownson, R.C. & Eyler, A.A. & King, A.C. & Brown, D.R. & Shyu, Y.-L. & Sallis, J.F., 2000. "Patterns and correlates of physical activity among US women 40 years and older," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(2), pages 264-270.
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