Transcript
NARRATOR
Breast pain and breast movement can impact on a woman's participation in sport and exercise, and on their ability to perform optimally in training. For example, women with a D-cup size or above do nearly 40% less high intensity physical activity, and cite their breasts as the main barrier.
Between 20% and 40% of active women report that breast pain interferes with their ability to train. Many of the problems women face during exercise can be alleviated by a well-fitting sports bra. However, up to 50% of women do not wear a sports bra during physical activity, instead selecting a less supportive everyday bra or wear a poorly fitting sports bra that does not provide optimum support and limit breast movement.
Breasts consist of fat and glandular tissue, and they can weigh up to two pounds each. They sit on top of the chest muscles, but these muscles offer them no support. The only support is provided by the Coopers ligaments, and the skin, which is the breast's main supporting structure.
After the age of 30, the skin starts to lose elasticity, and offers less support to the breast tissue. During exercise, movements cause repeated strain on the breasts' weak supporting structures. This is a particular problem in high impact sports that involve running and jumping, as well as horse riding, where the breasts experience repeated rapid loading. These forces can lead to irreversible damage to the ligaments and skin supporting the breasts.