Women's sport: Why we need to talk about periods, breasts and injuries

The Euros tournament highlights a scientific revolution in understanding how elite sports uniquely affect female athletes, moving beyond historical perceptions of women as "mini-men."

Researchers are studying breast biomechanics, revealing through motion sensor experiments that breast movement alters torso motion, ground force exertion, and overall performance. Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr ("the Bra Professor") explains that compensating for breast bounce restricts upper body movement, shifting pelvis positioning and shortening stride length by up to 4cm per step - equating to a mile over a marathon distance.

Sports bras are thus critical performance gear, not merely for comfort. They prevent permanent damage to delicate breast structures by limiting tissue stretching, emphasizing prevention over cure.

The menstrual cycle's impact is also being investigated, as it affects emotions, mood, sleep, fatigue, headaches, and cramps.