Busting myths: Why breast support matters for physical activity, health and performance 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.BioDr 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. Tags Sport Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Oct 08 2025 13.00 - 14.00 Busting myths: Why breast support matters for physical activity, health and performance This public lecture, featuring Dr Nicola Brown of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, is hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre and is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Bessie Watson Lecture Room Outreach Centre Book tickets through Eventbrite
Busting myths: Why breast support matters for physical activity, health and performance 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.BioDr 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. Tags Sport Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Oct 08 2025 13.00 - 14.00 Busting myths: Why breast support matters for physical activity, health and performance This public lecture, featuring Dr Nicola Brown of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, is hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre and is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Bessie Watson Lecture Room Outreach Centre Book tickets through Eventbrite
Oct 08 2025 13.00 - 14.00 Busting myths: Why breast support matters for physical activity, health and performance This public lecture, featuring Dr Nicola Brown of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, is hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre and is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.
