The experience of breast pain (mastalgia) in female runners of the 2012 London Marathon and its effect on exercise behaviour

Brown, Nicola; White, Jennifer; Brasher, Amanda; Scurr, Joanna

doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092175

Cited by 55 publications

(76 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Due to these negative consequences, previous research has recommended the use of external breast support. External breast support, such as sports bras, has been reported to reduce breast pain (Brown, White, Brasher, & Scurr, 2014), reduce embarrassment and alter performance variables (Shivitz, 2002; during running. Despite these recommendations, recent research has shown that only 32% of UK adult females always wore a sports bra during physical activity (Brown, Burnett, & Scurr, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Understanding key performance indicators for breast support: An analysis of breast support effects on biomechanical, physiological and subjective measures during running

Risius

Milligan

Berns

et al. 2016

Journal of Sports Sciences

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To assess the effectiveness of breast support previous studies monitored breast kinematics and kinetics, subjective feedback, muscle activity (EMG), ground reaction forces (GRFs) and physiological measures in isolation. Comparing these variables within one study will establish the key performance variables that distinguish between breast supports during activities such as running. This study investigates the effects of changes in breast support on biomechanical, physiological and subjective measures during running. Ten females (34D) ran for 10 min in high and low breast supports, and for 2 min bare breasted (2.8 m·s). Breast and body kinematics, EMG, expired air and heart rate were recorded. GRFs were recorded during 10 m overground runs (2.8 m·s) and subjective feedback obtained after each condition. Of the 62 variables measured, 22 kinematic and subjective variables were influenced by changes in breast support. Willingness to exercise, time lag and superio-inferior breast velocity were most affected. GRFs, EMG and physiological variables were unaffected by breast support changes during running. Breast displacement reduction, although previously advocated, was not the most sensitive variable to breast support changes during running. Instead breast support products should be assessed using a battery of performance indicators, including the key kinematic and subjective variables identified here.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Understanding key performance indicators for breast support: An analysis of breast support effects on biomechanical, physiological and subjective measures during running

Risius

Milligan

Berns

et al. 2016

Journal of Sports Sciences

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“…Limited research has focused on factors associated with breast pain. Cyclic breast pain has been associated with hormone changes during the menstrual cycle and general breast pain has been associated with excessive breast movement increases in breast size, body mass index, and activity level . However, associated factors have not been investigated in the general population.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…In addition, pain was rated as mild (26%), moderate (59%), and severe (15%), with 93% reporting pain for greater than 5 days in each menstrual cycle. In a sporting population, Brown et al (7) identified that over half of symptomatic participants described the severity of breast pain as discomforting, yet 44% had done nothing to relieve their symptoms. Research into treatments for breast pain are limited; pain killers, and/or breast support are the most common recommendations (8,9).…”

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confidence: 99%

The Prevalence, Severity, and Impact of Breast Pain in the General Population

et al. 2014

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Breast pain has been investigated in clinical populations; however we have yet to understand the prevalence and severity of this condition in the general population to determine whether more should be done to minimize the impact of this condition on women's quality of life. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence, severity, and impact of breast pain on quality of life and factors associated with breast pain in a normal population sample. 1,659 females (34.1 ± 13.2 years) completed the Breast Pain Questionnaire online, providing information on demographics, duration, frequency, and severity of breast pain, its association with the menstrual cycle, relieving, and aggravating factors and the impact on quality of life. Over half the sample (51.5%) experienced breast pain, with a severity similar to that reported in clinical populations. There was a higher prevalence of breast pain in older participants, larger breasted participants and those who were less fit and active. Of symptomatic participants, 41% and 35% reported breast pain affecting quality of life measures of sex and sleep and 10% of symptomatic participants had sufferer for over half their lives. The results of this study suggest that breast pain is a significant issue within the general population and yet this is the first study to investigate it. It is concluded that this condition warrants increased investigation, awareness, and treatment. The reported relationship between breast pain and fitness/activity levels may offer an alternative treatment in the form of exercise intervention strategies to reduce breast pain.

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“…The meta-analysis by Luo4 examining physical activity and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) broadens our understanding of the mechanisms by which activity can prevent GDM. Finally, Dr Nicola Brown5 addresses mastalgia (breast pain) a little known problem faced by endurance athletes, and how it impacts their participation. Clinicians need to be proactive in assessing this type of breast pain as part of the preparticipation evaluations, and when considering dropout from sport.…”

Section: Female Athlete Triad and More…mentioning

confidence: 99%