Despite the poor level of bra fit

and breast support in these adolescent athletes, only low levels of breast discomfort Epacadostat order during exercise were reported. Furthermore, this did not significantly improve, despite improvement in bra fit and level of breast support. The relatively small average breast size of the participants (12B) and their age may explain this finding, as breast discomfort during exercise is more problematic in females with large breasts (Gehlsen and Albohm 1980). In addition, changes in the mechanical properties of the tissues supporting the breasts or the habitual lack of adequate breast support over time in adult females may decrease their anatomical level of breast support, although this notion requires further investigation. The improvement in level of support post-intervention in the experimental group shows that the improvement in knowledge was accompanied by an improvement in choice of bra (in terms of design

and lifespan) relative to the level of physical activity and breast size. For this age group, the improved breast support may be more effective in decreasing the embarrassment of physical appearance, a known barrier to physical activity in adolescence (James 1998, Robbins et al 2003, Shaw 1991, Taylor et al 1999a), by reducing breast bounce during exercise rather than breast discomfort. Of GDC 0068 interest, 25% of participants reported knowing that their bra did not fit, yet they still

wore this bra during vigorous exercise. This result suggests that adolescent females do not perceive wearing an ill-fitting bra as problematic. Comments included ‘This is the bra I wore to school and I came to training straight after school’ and ‘I wear my good bras for competition, not training’. Although poorly fitted bras in this young cohort were not associated with high levels of discomfort, in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders from insufficient breast support (Ryan 2000, BeLieu 1994, Kaye 1972, Wilson and Sellwood 1976, Maha 2000) and to promote physical activity and (Modulators Lorentzen and Lawson 1987, Mason et al 1999, Gehlsen and Albohm 1980) education on bra fit is warranted. Since 75% of the participants reported never having been fitted for a bra professionally, bra education enabling them to fit themselves independently is particularly important. Physiotherapists are in an ideal position to provide education to adolescent females on the importance of wearing a well-designed, supportive and comfortable bra when participating in physical activity. They can prevent the development of poor bra wearing habits, which may impact negatively upon their health and lifestyle in later years. An improvement in bra knowledge was sufficient to improve the ability to fit a correct bra independently with appropriate support for the level of physical activity and breast size.