Breast biomechanics, exercise induced breast pain (mastalgia), breast support condition and its impact on riding position in female equestrians

Abstract

Breast biomechanics, exercise-induced breast pain (EIBP) and performance effects in female athletes are established. Wearing sports bras during exercise reduces breast movement and EIBP. Despite the prevalence of female equestrians, little investigation of breast movement during horse riding exists, yet excessive breast movement, embarrassment and EIBP are reported. Breast movement relative to the torso is linked to EIBP, associated with magnitude and direction of forces generated. Equestrians may experience novel breast and upper-body movement patterns in response to large vertical excursions of the horse. This study aimed to establish relative vertical breast displacement (RVBD), EIBP and positional changes in three support conditions: ‘no support’, ‘low support’ and ‘high support’. Thirty-eight female equestrians rode a Racewood™ Equine Simulator in each breast support condition in medium walk, medium trot (sitting) and medium canter. Trials were filmed and analysed using Quintic® Biomechanics V29. Significant reductions in RVBD (P<0.001) and EIBP (P<0.001) were identified with increased breast support in all gaits. In medium trot (sitting) a significant reduction in range of movement (ROM) of shoulder-elbow-wrist (P<0.001) was seen from low to high support. ROM of torso-vertical angles were reduced from no support to low support (P<0.001) and further by high support (P<0.001). This reduction in ROM was significantly greater in large breasted riders (cup size DD-FF) (n=21) (P<0.001) compared to small breasted (cup size AA-D) (n=17). These results suggest that appropriate breast support positively impacts EIBP and riding position in female riders possibly enhancing performance. As RVBD and reported EIBP were not wholly comparative with results in female runners, further research is warranted to establish breast movement in equestrianism in three dimensions.

The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders

“…This work notes that ~40% of female equestrians experience breast pain, with 21% reporting negative effects on performance [240]. Pain experienced is linearly related to self-reported cup size [239,240]. However, when proper breast support is provided larger cup-sized athletes see the greatest improvement in biomechanical parameters [239].…”

“…There is a body of work pertinent to the female equestrian in breast pain, breast biomechanics, and consequent bra recommendations [239,240]. This work notes that ~40% of female equestrians experience breast pain, with 21% reporting negative effects on performance [240]. Pain experienced is linearly related to self-reported cup size [239,240].…”

Running Posture Optimization in the Process of Track and Field Sports Based on Biomechanical Principle

“…The application of biomechanical principles can help people better understand the forces and pressures that the human body is subjected to during exercise, and thus put forward a more scienti c and reasonable running posture optimization scheme. Optimizing running posture can improve the speed and stability of athletes, reduce energy loss and sports injury, and thus improve the competitive level and performance of athletes [3]. In order to solve these problems, researchers begin to use biomechanical principles to optimize the running posture in track and eld.…”