Towards evidence-based breast protective equipment in contact, combat and pseudo-contact sport

Abstract

The use of breast protective equipment has been recommended as a potential injury prevention strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of breast injury.1 2 However, no research has evaluated the efficacy of breast protective equipment as an injury prevention strategy.1 3 The aim of this editorial is to outline the current state of play for breast protective equipment as an injury prevention strategy and the current use of breast protective equipment in contact, combat and pseudo-contact sports. We highlight the need to evaluate the efficacy of breast protective equipment and propose steps towards the development of evidence-based breast protection. Female breasts are susceptible to injury when women participate in contact and combat sports, as well as pseudo-contact sports (in which contact between players is permitted to limited extent, eg, basketball and water polo), due to their anatomical position on the front of the torso and lack of musculoskeletal protection.1 3 Indeed, a high prevalence of contact breast injuries have been reported in sports such as Rugby 7s, Rugby League, Australian Football, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Water Polo and Soccer.4–7 Breast injuries are known to negatively affect sporting performance6 7 and contribute to acute (eg, painful, swollen or bruised breast tissue) and long-term health impacts (eg, damage to the ductal system of lactating breasts and breast implant rupture).8 9 Discomfort associated with breast injuries may also act as a barrier to participation for girls and women in contact, combat and pseudo-contact sports. As such, a growing body of research has recommended the use of specialised breast …