The Hidden Cost of High-Support Bras: How Excessive Bounce Reduction May Affect Spinal Health

Research from the University of Portsmouth has revealed that high-support bras designed to reduce breast bounce during exercise may have an unintended consequence on spinal health. The study, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, suggests that achieving 100% bounce reduction could lead to increased loading on the spine, elevating the risk of lumbar back pain.

Dr. Chris Mills and his team from the University’s School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Sciences used advanced tools to investigate the effects of breast movement on spinal rotational forces. They employed a first-of-its-kind whole-body female-specific musculoskeletal model to examine how varying levels of breast support influenced torso motion, breast forces, and spinal moments during running.

The findings showed that while sports bras are essential for reducing breast pain during exercise, excessive bounce reduction may unintentionally increase loading on the spine. Simulated conditions revealed that bras eliminating breast movement led to higher spinal moments, which could elevate the risk of lumbar back pain.

According to Dr. Mills, “While a supportive sports bra is crucial for exercise comfort, excessive bounce reduction may place additional strain on spinal muscles, increasing the risk of back pain.” The study highlights the need for bra manufacturers to consider the unseen musculoskeletal impacts on the human body in their designs.

Professor Wakefield-Scurr, often referred to as the ‘Bra Professor,’ emphasized that striving for maximum bounce reduction may inadvertently pose challenges to spinal health during activities like running. “As sports bras evolve, this study challenges industry leaders to innovate designs that balance comfort, breast support, and holistic health, ensuring that bounce reduction doesn’t come at a cost to spinal health.”

The creation of a subject-specific female musculoskeletal model enabled researchers to gain a detailed understanding and approximation of changes in spinal moments, following simulated changes in breast motion during running. This model could become a useful tool in predicting appropriate and personalized rehabilitation recommendations, which could help ease the loading on the spine after breast surgeries.

In conclusion, the study suggests that finding an optimal balance between bounce reduction and spinal health is crucial for designing effective sports bras. As the bra industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider the musculoskeletal impacts of high-support bras on spinal health, ensuring that comfort and performance don’t come at a cost to overall well-being.

The presence of titanium micro-particles in the oral mucosa around dental implants is more common than previously thought, according to a new study from the University of Gothenburg. The research, which analyzed tissue samples from 21 patients with multiple adjacent implants, found that titanium particles were consistently present at all examined implants – even those without signs of inflammation.

While there is no reason for concern, the findings suggest that more knowledge is needed to understand what happens to these micro-particles over time. “Titanium is a well-studied material that has been used for decades,” says Tord Berglundh, senior professor of periodontology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. “It’s biocompatible and safe, but our findings show that we need to better understand what happens to the micro-particles over time.”

The study identified 14 genes that may be affected by these particles, particularly those related to inflammation and wound healing. The researchers suspect that titanium particles are released during the surgical installation procedure and may influence the local immune response.

Peri-implantitis is a microbial biofilm-associated inflammatory disease around dental implants, with features similar to those of periodontitis around teeth. The inflammatory process is complex, and the resulting destruction of supporting bone in peri-implantitis may lead to loss of the implant.

The study’s findings highlight the importance of continued research into the effects of titanium particles on the human body. As more people opt for dental implants, understanding the long-term consequences of these procedures is crucial for ensuring patient safety and well-being.

In conclusion, while the presence of titanium micro-particles around dental implants may seem alarming, the researchers stress that there is no reason for concern. However, further investigation into the effects of these particles on the human body is necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of dental implant procedures.

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes that affect not only our physical appearance but also our internal structures. The trillions of cells that make up our skeleton are no exception, as they too experience wear and tear over time. Recent research has shed new light on the mysteries surrounding skeletal cell aging, offering exciting possibilities for improved treatments for osteoporosis and age-related bone loss.

A team of scientists led by The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how our bones age. They found that osteocytes, the master regulators of bone health, undergo dramatic structural and functional changes with age that impair their ability to keep our bones strong.

Aging and stress can induce cellular senescence in osteocytes, resulting in cytoskeletal and mechanical changes that weaken bone. Osteocytes sense mechanical forces and direct when to build or break down bone. However, when exposed to senescent cells – damaged cells that stop dividing but don’t die – osteocytes themselves begin to stiffen. This cytoskeletal stiffening and altered plasma membrane viscoelasticity undermine their ability to respond to mechanical signals, disrupting healthy bone remodeling and leading to bone fragility.

Imagine the cytoskeleton as the scaffolding inside a building. When this scaffolding becomes rigid and less flexible, the building can’t adapt to changes and stresses, leading to structural problems. Similarly, stiffened osteocytes can’t effectively regulate bone remodeling, contributing to bone loss.

Senescent cells release a toxic brew of molecules, called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which triggers inflammation and damage in surrounding tissues. These cells have been linked to the development of cancer and many other chronic diseases.

The researchers approached the issue from a different perspective, focusing on cell mechanics. Combining genetic and mechanical approaches could lead to improved treatments for aging cells. They’re exploring how mechanical cues might help reverse or even selectively clear these aging cells, similar to physical therapy helping restore movement when our joints stiffen.

In the future, biomechanical markers could not only help identify senescent cells but also serve as precise targets for eliminating them, complementing or offering alternatives to current drug-based senolytic therapies. Improved knowledge about how bones age could improve treatments for osteoporosis, a condition that leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, affecting millions worldwide.

The team plans to expand their research by exploring the effects of different stressors on osteocytes and investigating potential therapeutic interventions. This project is led by Tilton in collaboration with Kirkland, along with other co-authors from various institutions.