THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENT BREAST SUPPORT GARMENTS ON LARGER BREASTED WOMEN WITH NON-SPECIFIC BACK PAIN

Methods & Results: 20 females (Age: 32.1±9.4 years; Bra sizes: 36DD-32K) with NSBP were recruited using modified red flags screening. Participants were tested initially in their usual bra, followed by the professionally-fitted and Optifit bras, in randomised order. Pre/post assessments comprised an established bra-fit assessment, body chart analysis, frequency of wear and pain, continuous-pain intensity (SF-MPQ-2), back stiffness and discomfort, neck disability and thoracic posture in standing using 3D-movement analysis.

100% of Usual and 90% of professionally-fitted bras failed the bra-fit assessment, compared to 5% with the Optifit. Though worn the least on average, a short-term intervention with the Optifit bra resulted in significant reductions in reported thoracic pain, clinically important reductions in neck disability, back pain frequency, continuous-pain intensity, stiffness and discomfort compared to the other bras. The Optifit and professionally-fitted bras significantly reduced reported lumbosacral pain compare to the usual bra. There was no initial change in thoracic posture with the Optifit bra however, significant improvements in flexion-extension posture were seen post-intervention.