Sports Bra for Breast Pain
(HOPE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if specially designed sports bras, known as interventional sports bras, can reduce neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain in women with larger busts. Researchers will also explore how hormones and inflammation might contribute to this pain. Participants with bra cup sizes D to I who experience discomfort during physical activities may be suitable for this study. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative intervention.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this sports bra is safe for full-busted women?
Research has shown that sports bras can greatly reduce breast pain during exercise. In one study, 87% of women reported that a specially recommended sports bra was better than their usual one. This suggests that choosing the right sports bra can be very helpful.
While specific safety data for this particular sports bra is unavailable, sports bras in general are considered safe. Designed to provide support and comfort, they can help reduce pain during activities. As a common part of athletic wear, sports bras are generally well-accepted by most people.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the interventional sports bra because it aims to address breast pain in women with larger cup sizes (D-I) through a specialized design tailored for physical activities. Unlike standard sports bras, which might not adequately support larger breasts during vigorous movement, this interventional sports bra is expected to reduce pain by optimizing biomechanical support. Additionally, it might offer insights into how specialized sports bras can affect body composition, brain activity, and even blood-based biomarkers, potentially paving the way for more personalized solutions for breast pain during exercise.
What evidence suggests that this interventional sports bra is effective for alleviating neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain?
Research has shown that wearing a sports bra can significantly reduce breast pain and discomfort. One study found that 85% of women experienced less breast pain with a sports bra compared to other options. Another study discovered that sports bras limit breast movement, reducing pain during physical activities. In this trial, women with larger breasts (cup sizes D - I) will receive an interventional sports bra to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing comfort during exercise. The control group, consisting of women with smaller cup sizes (A - C), will not receive the interventional sports bra. Overall, evidence suggests that sports bras effectively reduce breast pain and improve comfort during exercise.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Stacey L Gorniak, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Houston
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women with larger busts who experience neck, shoulder, arm, or back pain. Participants may be of any age and should not have conditions that would prevent them from wearing a sports bra or participating in the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Measurement of kinematic and kinetic data, study questionnaires, pain measures, body composition, brain activity, and blood-based biomarkers are collected
Intervention
Intervention group receives sports bras and undergoes physical activity tracking via smartwatch for 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain measures, physical activity, and other biomarkers
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Interventional Sports bra
Trial Overview
The study tests whether specially designed sports bras can help reduce pain in full-busted women. It also looks at how hormones, inflammation, and brain changes might play a role in this type of pain.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Women with bra cup sizes D - I. Intervention group will undergo measurement of kinematic and kinetic data during physical activities at baseline and 3 months after receiving their interventional sports bras. Study questionnaires, pain measures, body composition, brain activity, and blood-based biomarkers will be collected at baseline and 3 months after receiving the interventional sports bras. Physical activity will be tracked via smartwatch for 3 months after baseline.
Women with bra cup sizes A - C. Control group will undergo measurement of kinematic and kinetic data during physical activities at baseline. Study questionnaires, pain measures, body composition, brain activity, and blood-based biomarkers will be collected at baseline. Physical activity will be tracked via smartwatch for 3 months after baseline.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Houston
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Collaborator
Citations
An analysis of movement and discomfort of the female ...
The results showed that wearing external support for the breast tissue reduced absolute vertical movement and maximum downward deceleration force on the breast.
A multi-phase intervention study of sports bra prescription ...
This multi-phase intervention assessed breast/bra knowledge, preferences, issues via surveys and breast/bra assessments.
The Impact of Breasts and Bras on Physical Activity ...
Meta-analyses revealed that women and girls with larger breasts reported more exercise-induced breast pain and experienced greater breast mediolateral velocity.
Multi-study randomised controlled trial to develop ...
The sports bra was effective at reducing breast pain in 85% of cases compared to Danazol, which was effective in 58% of cases. However, regardless of their ...
Hormones, Outcomes, and Pain Pathways in Exercise Study
This study involves use of observation and analysis of behavior in assessing breast motion and associated health outcomes while using a provided ...
A multi-phase intervention study of sports bra prescription ...
Post-intervention, 63% reported improved knowledge and 97% reported their prescribed bra as better than their original bra. Eighty-seven per ...
a scoping review of a female-specific sports injury
This review aimed to collate and summarise published research on breast injuries in women's sports, highlighting the limitations and gaps in the literature.
'Don't tell the coach': contact breast injury and breast pain in ...
Incidence of CBI and EIBP was 39% and 43%, respectively. Seventy-seven percent of players affected by CBI had experienced multiple incidents in ...
Breast‐Related Issues in Community‐Based Women's ...
This study investigated the prevalence and severity of breast injuries and pain and the use and perception of breast protective equipment and ...
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