Busting Myths: Why Breast Support Matters for Physical Activity, Health and

This public lecture, hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.

Presentation title: Busting Myths: Why Breast Support Matters for Physical Activity, Health and Performance

Speaker: Dr Nicola Brown

Chair: Professor Marie Murphy

About this event

Breast support is often overlooked in sport and physical activity, yet it plays a key role in comfort, confidence, and performance. Poor support and ill-fitting bras can cause pain, alter movement, and reduce participation, affecting both health and athletic achievement.

This session will share insights from over a decade of research, including athlete testing and collaborations with sportswear manufacturers to improve design and fit. It will also highlight initiatives like Treasure Your Chest, which equips adolescent girls with practical knowledge about breast development, support, and bra fit. By presenting research findings alongside practical education initiatives, the seminar will show how adequate breast support can protect health, enhance participation, and help women and girls perform at their best.

About the speaker

Dr Nicola Brown is an Associate Professor in Women’s Health and Performance at St Mary’s University, Twickenham and Associate Head of School (Research) in the Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Science. Her research focuses on female-specific health issues, with a particular emphasis on breast health. Nicola’s work examines how the breast impacts sport and physical activity, including the effects of breast pain, poor bra fit, and their implications for comfort, participation, and performance. She also investigates the broader health consequences of inadequate breast support and education, highlighting the need for improved breast health awareness among women and adolescent girls to support both everyday wellbeing and athletic performance.

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