Bioenergetic analysis and anthropometric evaluation of bra-breast interface for improved design and breast health

Abstract

Bioenergetics analysis of bra-breast Interface is an important technique for improving the design of bras and promoting breast health and comfort during physical activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the compatibility between the anatomy of the breasts and bra. The study encompasses breast anthropometry via measurement. A measurement topology was proposed to determine breast mass, volume, shape, and asymmetry under loading (with-bra) and unloading (without-bra). Using the anthropometric data, the bioenergetics of the breasts were determined and compared to the rest of the body. From the bioenergetic analysis, a larger breast could require up to 69 J of energy during walking. The average mass of a breast ranges from 500 to 1000 g. Assuming breast shape to be standard, semi-conical, semi-spherical and semi-elliptical, breast volume was determined where semi conical and semi spherical breast shapes consistently predicted lower bound volume for each breast, whereas the standard and semi elliptical breast shapes predicted higher volume for the same breasts measurements. Mathematically, the medial-lateral boundaries of the breast were described by a secant of a curve, aligned on the coronal plane, causing eccentric loading when the two breast nipples were on different transverse planes. When this variation was more than 5% volume change, asymmetric breast shapes occurred and was responsible to displace bra heterogeneously compromising fit and support. A non-linear, leaf-function describing the relationship between the breast radius and volume invoked at a given body weight. In general, the current design for a bra assumes that the breasts are symmetrical, though the current investigation proves that this is not the case. The bra needs to be redesigned to better fit women, since left and right sides are not symmetrical. This is a significant problem today, as it is estimated that nearly 80% of women wear incorrectly- sized bras; 70% wore bras that are too small, and 10% wore bras that are too big. Current investigation highlights the crucial importance of incorporating the distance between the nipples into bra design to achieve optimal support, comfort, symmetry, and minimize breast movement. It ensures that the bra cups are positioned optimally to provide effective support and enhance the natural shape of the breasts. If the current bra models are redesigned, the amount of discomfort in women could potentially decrease.