Help develop better post-surgery sports bras

What’s the title of the study?

Have you had a unilateral/single mastectomy? Help shape the development of better post-surgery sports bras.

What’s the project about?

Exercise can play an important role in recovery after breast cancer surgery. But finding the right bra to feel comfortable and confident during exercise can be difficult.

This study is testing post-surgery sports bras for people who use a prosthetic breast after a single mastectomy.

The researchers want to understand how the prosthesis moves during exercise, and how this compares with the remaining natural breast. They’ll also ask for feedback on comfort, support and how easy the bras are to wear. The findings will help shape the development of better post-surgery sports bras.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Brogan Jones

Job title: Senior Research Associate

Organisation: University of Portsmouth

Email address: brogan.jones@port.ac.uk

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are local to Portsmouth or willing to travel there

• Are not currently having active breast cancer treatment

• Have had a unilateral mastectomy, meaning one breast removed, more than 1 year ago

• Have been cleared to run by your surgeon

• Currently wear or own a silicone prosthetic breast

• Are aged between 18 and 59

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your feedback can help researchers understand how current post-surgery sports bras perform in real life.

By taking part, you can help show what feels comfortable, supportive and practical during exercise — things that equipment alone can’t measure. Your experience could help improve sports bra options for women who have had breast cancer surgery and want to exercise.

What will you ask me to do?

You’ll need to visit the University of Portsmouth Breast Biomechanics Laboratory on 2 separate occasions.

The first visit should take no longer than 45 minutes. You’ll have:

• A professional bra fitting

• A health history review

• A health history questionnaire

• A blood pressure measurement

• An ECG test, which measures the electrical activity of your heart

If you fit the bra sizes needed for testing and your health review is clear, you’ll be invited back for the second visit. During this visit, you’ll be asked to complete a treadmill run in 3 different bra conditions: your own bra and 2 other styles being tested. You’ll then complete a questionnaire giving feedback on each bra.

The second visit should take no longer than 60 minutes.

During testing, the laboratory will be locked and only accessible from inside. A maximum of 2 female staff members will be present at any time, and your privacy will be protected throughout.

As a thank you, you’ll receive £40 and a free sports bra. Travel and other expenses cannot be covered.

How do I get involved?

To find out more or register your interest, contact Brogan Jones at brogan.jones@port.ac.uk.

When’s the deadline?

Testing opportunities will run until the end of 2026, though this may be extended.