This practical workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked topic of breast health in sport and exercise medicine. Delegates can expect to discover the latest bra technologies available on the market, learn the principles of effective bra fitting and gain the confidence to advise athletes on individualised solutions. Through a mix of facilitator-led sessions and independent learning, participants will delve into the science and practicalities of bra support for active women.
Aimed at: All delegates, particularly those working with active females
With special thanks to Tiger’s Eye - a women’s performance company focused on breast health and evidence-led design. Building high-support bras for demanding environments (military and blue-light), post-surgery solutions co-developed with clinicians and backed by science, not fashion.
Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, also known as thebraprofessor.com, is a Professor of Biomechanics and the Founder and Director of the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth (port.ac.uk/breastresearch). The Research Group is renowned for its research on the biomechanics of the breast. The group has been conducting fundamental and applied research into breast biomechanics since 2005, when it developed and published the first procedure to establish dynamic breast movement in three dimensions. During this time, the breast biomechanics of thousands of women have been assessed in a variety of conditions, contributing to a unique database of the forces acting through the breast tissue and the support requirements of the breast.
Joanna is well known within the commercial sector, with research projects informing clinical practice and breast support design around the world. The group’s initiatives include an Educational Outreach programme to improve understanding of the importance of breast support and bra fitting in schoolgirls; understanding the prevalence, impact, and severity of breast pain in military servicewomen; and understanding the relationship between breast density and breast biomechanics in clinical populations. More recently, Professor Wakefield-Scurr and her team have worked with elite athlete groups, such as the Lionesses and England Netball, in the lead-up to major championships, improving athlete breast and bra knowledge, reducing breast pain, and providing performance benefits.
Ms Rose Johnston is a PhD student with the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth, funded by Tiger’s Eye. Her research focusses on breast and bra education in sport. She has a background in sports coaching, education, sports nutrition, and race event management across the South West of the UK. Most recently, Ms Johnston has worked as a netball coach and coach education tutor for England Netball.
