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'Intelligent bra' battles bounce

BBC News (10 Dec 07) - A bra with sensors built into the fabric could help scientists make exercise a more comfortable experience for women.

Australian researchers believe their creation will help bra makers make their future designs a better fit. Exercising wearing a poorly-fitting bra can raise the risk of long-term injury. The findings, in the Journal of Biomechanics, may allow more accurate laboratory analysis of breast movement during exercise.

So far the fabric has been tested on two women, with size 36D and 38DD bra sizes, and recorded 6.9cm (2.7inches) of movement as the "larger" woman jogged on a treadmill.

The University of Wollongong researchers said that currently some large-breasted women could not take part in exercise because it was simply too painful. Breast pain is a major problem during exercise - a recent study by Dr Joanna Scurr at Portsmouth University found that between 45% and 60% of women suffered it during exercise, with a slow jog just as painful as a fast sprint for some.

Some estimates have suggested that up to 70% of women in the UK are actually wearing the wrong sized bra every day, increasing the chances of shoulder and back pain.

Dr Scurr said: "Any research which could improve bra design would be very welcome. Women need to make sure they are fitted for a bra, and don't keep the same bra for too long - I've spoken to some women who keep the same bra for 10 years.