The BASES Occupational Performance Special Interest Group (OPSIG) aims to promote evidence-based practise amongst those undertaking research and/or scientific support with occupational groups in physically demanding job-roles. This includes but is not limited to military, security, fire, rescue and first responders. It draws on a number of specialist areas including: physiology, strength and conditioning, physical training, psychology, biomechanics, injury and rehabilitation. In this third webinar delivered through the OPSIG we will discuss breast considerations for females working in active occupations. We will start the webinar by presenting breast and bra issues that active women face and specifically how research has shaped the current sports bra fitting and issue service in place for Basic Training recruits in the British Army. There will be a focus on research that has investigated the interaction of bras with torso-borne equipment in both the Army and the Police. In the discussion of bra design, it is never a case of one size fits all. Recent research has demonstrated that individual variability in breast size can have significant consequences on thermoregulatory, mechanical and perceptual properties of the breast. This webinar will also aim to provide insight as to why these breast size-dependent variations should therefore be considered in the user-centred design of bras for sport and those in active occupations. Lastly, we will highlight the knowledge gaps in this area and future challenges.
It will explore: current exercise guidelines, problems around prescribing those exercise guidelines and solutions to help patients meet the desired exercise targets.
