Debbie Risius

The relationship between breast size and anthropometric characteristics

Current clinical selection criteria for mammaplasty use weight‐related parameters, and weight loss is recommended as a nonsurgical intervention to reduce breast size. However, research has not firmly established if breast size is related to body size and composition. This study aims to investigate anthropometric characteristics in smaller and larger breasted women and identify predictors of breast mass.

Influential factors of bra purchasing in older women

Purpose – In addition to the psychological differentiation of older women, ageing has numerous effects on the breast, influencing the volume, density and constitution of the tissue. It is currently unknown how these changes may affect bra requirements and bra consumer behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors of importance in bras in a cohort of women aged 45 to 65 years, whilst considering purchasing behaviour, brand loyalties and self‐image.Design/methodology/approach – Following a grounded theoretical perspective, this study was exploratory in nature, including a mixture of five semi‐structured interviews and two focus groups with women, aged 45 to 65 years, to discuss bra habits, considerations, and influential factors of purchasing. Data were content analysed with additional frequency analysis.Findings – The paper provides five key dimensions within which older women focus their attentions when purchasing bras. These are aesthetics, comfort, practicalities of bra purchase, breast sup...

Breast motion asymmetry during running

Abstract Breast asymmetry is common in females, despite a similar driving force; dynamic activity may result in asymmetrical breast motion. This preliminary study investigated how breast categorisation (left/right or dominant/non-dominant) may affect breast support recommendations and its relationship with breast pain. Ten females ran on a treadmill at 10 kph in three breast supports (no bra, everyday bra, sports bra). Five reflective markers on the thorax and nipples were tracked using infrared cameras (200 Hz) during five running gait cycles in each breast support. Multiplanar displacements of both breasts were calculated relative to the thorax. Although the maximum individual participant difference was 2.4 cm (mediolaterally) between the left and right breast, no left/right differences were found in any direction or support condition. Notably, correlations between breast pain and anterioposterior breast displacement were stronger with the left breast (r = 0.614) and moderate with the right breast (r = 0.456). Following participant categorisation according to the greatest magnitude of superioinferior breast displacement (dominant breast), results showed significant differences in displacement for all directions across different breast supports. When using breast kinematic data to examine relationships with breast pain or to recommend breast support requirements, data on both breasts should be collected.

Is torso soft tissue motion really an artefact within breast biomechanics research

For rigid body POSE estimation, any relative movement of the tracking markers on a segment is often referred to as an artefact; however this may be an important part of the signal within breast biomechanics. This study aimed to quantify differences in breast range of motion when calculated relative to the torso segment using either direct or segment optimised POSE estimation algorithms. Markers on the torso and right nipple were tracked using infrared cameras (200 Hz) during five running gait cycles in three breast support conditions (no bra, everyday bra and sports bra). Multiplanar breast range of motion was calculated relative to the torso segment using two POSE estimation algorithms. First, the torso segment was defined using direct POSE estimation (direct). Second, while standing stationary in the anatomical position; the positional data of the torso markers were used to construct the torso using segment optimised POSE estimation (optimised). The torso segment length defined using direct POSE estimation changed significantly by 3.4 cm compared to that of the segment optimisation POSE estimation in the no bra condition. Subsequently, superioinferior breast range of motion was significantly greater (p<0.017) when calculated using direct POSE estimation, within each of the three breast support conditions. Segment optimisation POSE estimation is recommended to minimise any differences in breast motion associated with intra segment deformation between physical activity types. However, either algorithm is recommended when evaluating different breast support garments, as a correctly fitted bra does not cause the torso markers to move relative to each other.

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

ABSTRACT 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−1). Breast and body kinematics, EMG, expired air and heart rate were recorded. GRFs were recorded during 10 m overground runs (2.8 m·s−1) 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.

Breast education for schoolgirls; why, what, when and how?

Schools are fundamental settings for health education and adolescent females are an important group for promoting positive breast habits. We surveyed 2089 schoolgirls (11‐18 years) to provide evidence for, and guidance on, breast education for schoolgirls. 26% reported negative feelings about their breasts and 87% reported ≥ one breast concern. 72% wanted to know more about breast cancer (69% rating this extremely important). >50% wanted to know more about breast sag and breast pain. Preferred delivery format was age eleven (50%), girls only taught sessions (41%) with female teachers (43%). A need for breast education and delivery preferences was identified.