Why Certain Sports Bras May Harm Your Back: Insights from Science
Are you on the hunt for the perfect sports bra? Recent research indicates that while highly supportive designs aim to provide comfort during workouts, they may inadvertently place pressure on your spine. It’s crucial to understand how to choose a sports bra that strikes the right balance between support and comfort to enhance your exercise experience.
New findings, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, reveal that overly restrictive sports bras might cause discomfort and potential back pain. Researchers studied a woman while she ran in different sports bras to analyze how these garments affect breast and spine movement, leading to critical insights into sports bra design.
A Potential Downside of Highly Supportive Sports Bras
Sports bras are primarily designed to limit breast movement during physical activity to minimize discomfort. However, the latest designs focus heavily on eliminating motion altogether, which could have unintended effects. According to Dr. Chris Mills, the lead researcher of the study, the prevailing notion that less breast movement equals better support may misrepresent the true functionality of these garments.
- Researchers recruited a 26-year-old woman with a 34DD bra size.
- She wore three different types of support—no bra, an everyday bra, and a sports bra—while the research team monitored her movement.
- The results were used to create a computer model predicting how the body would respond to a bra that completely eliminates breast motion.
The findings indicated that while a highly supportive bra could stabilize the breasts, it also unexpectedly increased stress on the spine, potentially leading to discomfort or pain during activities.
What’s the Actual Purpose of a Sports Bra?
The main function of a sports bra is to alleviate discomfort from breast movement during exercising. Leaving your breasts unsupported can lead to strains and distractions, especially for individuals with larger sizes. Dr. Susan L. Sokolowski notes that reducing breast motion contributes to a feeling of confidence while working out with others.
A quality sports bra provides numerous benefits:
- Reduces breast pain during exercise.
- Lowers the load on supporting tissues, such as Cooper’s ligaments, responsible for maintaining breast structure.
- Helps maintain proper posture by minimizing bounce.
Why Too Much Support Could Cause Pain
Excessive support from a sports bra can also lead to complications. Dr. Mills explains that some bounce can actually absorb impact, but tightly fitted bras restrict this natural movement. This restriction forces back muscles to work harder, accumulating stress on the spine.
Other concerns with overly supportive bras include:
- More fabric might inhibit moisture-wicking capabilities, leaving you feeling sweaty.
- Restrictive designs could negatively affect your ability to breathe deeply during exercise.
While it’s easy to dismiss highly supportive bras based on this research, it’s essential to note that further studies are needed to fully understand their impact. This study explored only one participant, emphasizing the need for broader investigation.
What to Look For in a Sports Bra
The ideal sports bra will vary depending on personal preference and the type of exercise you undertake. There is always a trade-off: less support can lead to pain, while excessive support may exert undue stress on the body.
To ensure your current bras are still effective:
- Wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
- Hang dry to preserve fabric integrity, as spandex can degrade with heat.
While shopping for a new sports bra, consider the following tips:
- Try it on and perform some movement, like running or jumping, to assess its fit.
- Make sure there’s no cup spillage and that the straps and bands are neither too tight nor too loose.
- Ultimately, the goal is to find a bra that feels good and allows you to breathe easily while providing adequate support.
In essence, listen to your body. Experiment with various styles until you discover one that makes you feel confident and unrestricted—almost like a second skin, as Dr. Sokolowski suggests. A sports bra should enhance your workout, not detract from it!
