Can Physical Characteristics and Sports Bra Use Predict Exercise-Induced Breast Pain in Elite Female Athletes?. Issue 6 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brisbine, Brooke R.; Steele, Julie R.; Phillips, Elissa J.; McGhee, Deirdre E.
• Is Part Of: Clinical journal of sport medicine. Volume 31:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: female -- sports -- questionnaire -- mastalgia -- predictive model; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000831
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-642X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate whether a simple 4-factor model using self-reported data could be used to predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes. Design: Survey study. Setting: Online or hard-copy surveys completed at sporting competitions and training facilities around Australia. Participants: Four hundred ninety female athletes competing nationally or internationally across 49 sports. Independent Variables: A binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of a predictive model that included 2 continuous independent variables (age and body mass index) and 2 binary independent variables (breast size and sports bra use). Odds ratios were also calculated to determine the likelihood of an athlete reporting exercise-induced breast pain in association with each of the 4 variables. Main Outcome Measures: Exercise-induced breast pain was the binary dependent variable. Results: The model incorporating athlete age, breast size, body mass index, and sports bra use was found to be statistically significant, but weak, in its ability to predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes (correctly identified 66% of athletes). For every 1-year increase in age, a significant 2.6% increase in the likelihood of experiencing exercise-induced breast pain was observed. Athletes with medium-to-hypertrophic sized breasts were 5.5 times more likely to experience exercise-induced breast pain than athletes with small breasts. Conclusions: Although the current model was not sensitive enough for use by clinicians and coaches, age and breast size were both identified as critical variables in the prediction of exercise-induced breast pain. Future research is encouraged to investigate whether incorporating additional variables such body fat percentage, bra fit, and other relevant factors can add strength to the model.