A study to evaluate pressure distribution of different sports bras

Abstract

Sports bras have been reported to be a hindrance to the effective workout of females. This study elucidates the pressure distribution in eight different sport bra types of different sizes during shoulder workout activities to address this hindrance. The upper body moves in horizontal, vertical, and circular directions. An observational survey was carried out at the Zhejiang Sci-Tech University gyms, and among 300 females, the majority focused on shoulder workouts. The experiment used pressure sensors to analyze the most significant sports bra for females with a bra size of 34C, 36C, and 38C during three body movements. We conclude the in-depth width of the neckline has an impact on strap comfortability as well as the back design and structure also influence the performance of the back band. Additionally, racerback bras produce less pressure for bra size 34C. In addition, crossing back with thicker and broader straps produces less pressure for females with a bra size of 36C. For bra 38C, a racerback with thicker straps generated less pressure.

Design and development of auxetic structures for enhancing ergonomic comfort in women’s intimate apparel (brassiere)

“…13 When contact surface increased, the pressure can distribute evenly to boost comfort. 14 Auxetic structures are well known to have a negative Poisson's ratio and for their magnified mechanical properties. 15 These materials show lateral expansion whereas conventional materials show inward shrinkage under the tensile strain which is shown in Figure 1.…”

Design and properties of shape memory sports bras for comfortable pressure based on ergonomics

“…Brands sell sports bras according to support levels (low, medium or high support), where the low support level sports bra is easy to wear and provides high comfort, but is not suitable for sports situations that require high support. [14][15][16] The addition of shape memory materials (SMMs) to the sports bra has the potential to be a promising way of solving the above problems. SMMs are materials that have a shape that can recover its initial shape through stimulation by external conditions (heat, electricity, light, chemical induction, etc.)…”

“…Brands sell sports bras according to support levels (low, medium or high support), where the low support level sports bra is easy to wear and provides high comfort, but is not suitable for sports situations that require high support. 14–16…”

Optimized design of sports bras with pressure comfort, thermal comfort, and shaping support

“…Undersized bras lead to overpressure, which hinders physical activities and can cause body swelling and pain, tachypnea, and fatigue. 8 The pressure generated by sports bras has impacts on dressing comfort. When the pressure from bras exceeds the human body’s limit, it will cause some physiological and psychological effects, including increased rectal temperature, decreased blood flow, constipation, visceral displacement, and organ failure.…”