In this podcast, I chat with Dr Jenny Burbage, who is a senior lecturer in biomechanics and
part of the Research
Group in Breast Health within the School of Sport, Health and Exercise
Science at the University of Portsmouth.
Her research
focuses on biomechanics, health and education related to the female breast, and
she is one of the few world experts in this area. She is passionate about
ensuring functional breast support and comfort for workers, especially when
additional equipment needs to be worn (e.g., body armour), and increasing
breast health education for all.
We talk about the following:
- The WiSEAN conference 2024. Overview of speakers,
programme and social events. - The 2019 podcast with Jenny and Brogan
Horler (https://www.wisean.net/podcast/episode/3230b1fe/dr-jenny-burbage-and-miss-brogan-horler-on-breast-health-bra-fitting-and-breast-support-for-the-exercising-female),
where we talked about exercise-related breast pain, incorrect bra, incorrect
fitting, bra-fitting techniques, changes in the breast through the lifetime
particularly important for fit and the three types of sports bra. - Recent research on bra requirements for active
occupations. - Bra requirements for women in active occupations,
namely with British Army basic training recruits but also other occupations,
e.g., police service, fire service. Activities involved in basic training and
hence bra needs for these. Importance of correct bra and fit for these
occupations. - Other issues due to active occupations, e.g.,
whether individuals might avoid active occupations due to e.g., bra size. Bra preferences
in other countries. - The importance of breast health education/breast
health and messages according to audience (e.g., bra manufacturers versus
athletes). - Future research goals and desires.
- Issues encountered regarding dismissal of breast
health not being important. How far sports/exercise bra research has come.
