Tennis players urged to prioritize breast health with proper sports bras

University of Wollongong researcher Deirdre McGhee has shed light on a crucial issue affecting female tennis players on the professional tour – the lack of supportive and correctly-fitted sports bras. In a recent study, Dr. McGhee worked closely with 91 of the top 140 female tennis players in the world and discovered that most of them were wearing bras that offered little to no support.

The athletes were asked to run on a treadmill in front of a mirror and observe their breasts in motion. The results were shocking, as many players realized for the first time the importance of wearing a properly fitted sports bra during strenuous physical activity like tennis. Dr. McGhee emphasized that the constant movement of breasts during high-impact sports can lead to shoulder issues and breast pain if not properly supported.

As a member of the Women’s Health Taskforce at the Miami Open, Dr. McGhee called on sports clothing companies to take responsibility for providing appropriate sports bras and designing outfits that accommodate them. She highlighted the need for athletes and coaches to prioritize the importance of a sports bra as essential sporting equipment.

Furthermore, Dr. McGhee’s research extends beyond tennis, as she has worked with female athletes in various sports like football and cricket. She emphasized the importance of breast health awareness in all sports to prevent injuries and promote overall well-being.

Dr. McGhee’s work has even caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee, where she will develop guidelines for women returning to sports after pregnancy. Her research underscores the significance of proper breast support in sports and the need for athletes to prioritize their breast health for optimal performance and injury prevention.