Impact of breast health education and individual sports bra prescription on elite female football match officials
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Female football (soccer) officials face unique physical demands and equipment constraints, yet their breast health needs remain under-researched. This study investigated bra usage, issues and preferences among elite and national-level female football match officials and evaluated the effect of a targeted breast health intervention. Baseline questionnaires were completed by 104 officials (mean age 34 ± 5 years), assessing breast and bra knowledge, usage, preferences, pain and equipment-related issues. All 104 participants attended a one-hour online breast health education session. Of these, a subgroup of 20 elite officials also received a bra assessment and were prescribed a high-support bra. Four weeks later, follow-up questionnaires assessed changes in breast health knowledge and compared personal versus prescribed sports bras for fit, support, pain and compatibility with upper-body equipment. At baseline, 93% of participants reported at least one breast- or bra-related issue; 25% identified problems due to bra-equipment interaction. Breast health knowledge improved significantly post-intervention (p < 0.001). Satisfaction was significantly higher with the prescribed bra across fit, support and reduced breast pain (all p < 0.05). Targeted breast health education and individual bra prescription improved knowledge, comfort and support. Breast-related and bra-equipment interaction issues are prevalent, highlighting the need for improved sports bra design and integration with upper-body equipment.
Source: Journal of Sports Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7127402148