Researchers at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia have developed a smart bra which tightens and supports during exercise, using minuscule sensors which detect breast movement.

15 years in the making, the bra - which is currently only in prototype and is not yet ready to hit the shops - is made using material known informally as ‘smart yarn’ and flags up the discovery of new technology which enables sensors to work in reaction to movement.

“Our ability to make things from advanced materials has been greatly enhanced with the advent of new approaches to fabrication,” said Professor Gordon Wallace, director of research at the Australian Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science. “3D printing has enabled us to assemble structures containing new sensing technologies to more accurately monitor movement and new artificial muscle technologies to control it.”

The challenge now is to integrate the technology into a garment that feels comfortable to wear and supports and functions as a sports bra should, whilst preventing long term muscle and nerve damage.

According to Professor Julie Steele, director of Breast Research Australia (BRA) at UOW who has been studying the effects of breast movement during physical activity for the past 15 years: “Without the right support, long term damage can be done, including numbness in the fingers caused by compression of nerves in the shoulders, as well as neck and back pain.”

Breast movement during exercise has long been cited by women as one of their greatest causes for not taking up or abandoning sport. It is estimated that 85 per cent of women do not wear bras that fit properly, even when not exercising, and generally the most supportive sports bras tend to be the tightest and most uncomfortable.

A study conducted by the University of Portsmouth’s research group in breast health earlier this year found that nearly one in five women say their breasts stop them from taking part in physical activity.

The research, which was published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health reported breasts as the fourth most important barrier to exercise after lack of energy, time constraints and health issues. It ranked as more important than cost of exercise, access to facilities and not having the right clothing.

Out of the 239 women surveyed, 17 per cent were discouraged from participating in sport because of either breast discomfort or embarrassment over excessive breast movement.

“This shows that breasts are an important factor to consider when investigating what deters women from exercising,” said researcher Emma Burnett. “One third of women in the study were not meeting physical activity guidelines, but improving breast health awareness may help to encourage participation for these women.”

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