The combination of physical activity and ill-fitted bras contribute to the breast pains that women everywhere are experiencing. Scientists at Portsmouth University say that millions of women use bras that fail to give them the proper support when they play sports, run or go jogging. For three years, Dr. Joanna Scurr has been conducting treadmill test to find a solution to the overstretching of breast ligaments during exercise.

Dr. Scurr, who is a breast biomechanist at the university, conducted tests on 100 women. The tests were aimed to look at how sports bras react to active women and to construct a bra design to minimize the stress on women’s breast. Scientists estimated that more than 50 percent of women experience breast pain when exercising. As a result, Dr. Scurr started the Breast Biomechanics Team, which is funded by various bra manufacturers, to conduct the treadmill tests.

The tests involve having women run on a treadmill while cameras that are linked to computers measure their breast movement. Women are tested without bras, with regular bras, and with sports bras. Based on Dr. Scurr’s studies, the greatest bounce measured is 24.5 centimeters. A women’s breast moved up and down on the treadmill 50 percent of the time, while they each move side-to-side and in-and-out at 25 percent, respectively.

The team gathers the bounce data by sticking reflectors on the nipples, shoulders and hips. Furthermore, the data of the distances the nipples travel and its directions are sent to their computers. Although the team has gathered much data, Dr. Scurr believes that more tests are needed to create a bra that will stabilize all of the breasts’ movements.

In addition to physical activities, researchers say that breast pains are linked to tenderness during the menstrual cycle and permanent breast pains and are not necessarily dependent on the size of breasts.