Do foot type classifications differ between male and female netball players? A cluster analysis.

We must better understand the foot type classifications of netball players to develop sex and size-specific shoe lasts. Five hundred and two representative-level netball players ( = 251 male;  = 251 female) had their feet three-dimensionally scanned. A validated MATLAB code was used to extract six different foot measurements from these scans automatically.

Do the feet of male and female netball players differ in shape? Implications for shoe design.

A large proportion of netball players suffer foot-related problems and pain and are dissatisfied with current netball-specific footwear. To improve the fit and functionality of netball-specific shoes, we must understand the shape of these players' feet and determine whether any sex differences exist. Five hundred and two representative-level netball players ( = 251 male;  = 251 female) had their feet three-dimensionally scanned.

The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: Development, Implementation, Uptake, and Reflections on the Inaugural Program.

Biomechanics as a discipline is ideally placed to increase awareness and participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A nationwide Biomechanics and Research Innovation Challenge (BRInC) centered on mentoring and role modeling was developed to engage high school girls (mentees) and early-mid-career women (mentors) in the field of biomechanics through the completion of a 100-day research and/or innovation project. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and uptake of the inaugural BRInC program and synthesizes the research and innovation projects undertaken, providing a framework for adoption of this program within the global biomechanics community.

What do male netball players want in their footwear? Design recommendations for netball-specific shoes for men.

With the increasing professionalisation of men's netball and the high prevalence of foot-related problems and pain, manufacturers must develop shoes with the correct ergonomic design to meet the unique needs of male netball players. This study aimed to determine what factors men consider when selecting a netball-specific shoe and what design features they want in an ideal netball-specific shoe. 279 amateur, sub-elite and elite male netball players completed a 38-question online survey about their footwear habits and preferences.

Barriers and enablers to participation in physical activity among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Purpose: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers, with low survival rates and a high disease burden. Despite the known benefits, most women reduce their participation in physical activity following diagnosis. Little is known about ovarian cancer survivors' experiences of physical activity.

Increasing women's participation in biomechanics through National Biomechanics Day events.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) occupations represent one of the broadest gender gaps in any professional field, with women and girls grossly underrepresented in STEM education and careers, particularly engineering and biomechanics. Factors such as bias, stereotyping, and a lack of female role models can significantly influence women's and girls' decisions to enter and remain in the field of biomechanics. A critical first step in increasing the number of female biomechanists is to create early opportunities for girls to explore biomechanics.

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains.

Objective: To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains.

Background: PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings.

Do the Footwear Profiles and Foot-Related Problems Reported by Netball Players Differ Between Males and Females?

Introduction: We explored the footwear profiles and foot-related problems reported by netball players and whether these differed between males and females.

Methods: Two thousand nine hundred and twenty-five amateur, sub-elite and elite netball players (men n = 279; women n = 2646; age 26.4 ± 10.

Women with larger breasts are less satisfied with their breasts: Implications for quality of life and physical activity participation.

Introduction: Although low breast satisfaction has been associated with a range of potential negative health implications, little is known about key factors that influence breast satisfaction across the lifespan. This study aimed to determine the impacts of age, body mass and breast size on breast satisfaction and how breast satisfaction impacts psychosocial and sexual well-being-related quality of life outcomes and physical activity behaviours.

Methods: Three hundred and forty-five women (age range: 18.

How much error is associated with calculating breast volume from three-dimensional breast scans obtained when women are standing? Implications for bra design and bra fit.

Background: A lying prone position is recommended when scanning women's breasts to ensure the entire breast can be visualised. However, several large databases contain three-dimensional scans of women's breasts and torsos that were obtained while the women were standing. This study aimed to establish the error associated with calculating breast volume from three-dimensional breast scans taken when women were standing relative to lying prone.

Effect of Torso and Breast Characteristics on the Perceived Fit of Body Armour Systems Among Female Soldiers: Implications for Body Armour Sizing and Design.

This study aimed to provide normative data characterising the torsos and breasts of female soldiers and to determine which torso and breast anthropometric measurements contributed to reports of poor body armour fit. Ninety-seven female Australian Army soldiers completed a questionnaire about their experience with current-issue body armour, including perceptions of fit. Participants also attended a single testing session where we took a three-dimensional scan of their breasts and torso and collected several anthropometric measurements to characterise their torso size and shape.

Can smaller body armour improve thoracolumbar range of motion and reduce interference when female soldiers perform dynamic tasks?

Most female soldiers report that in-service body armour systems are too large. We investigated whether a smaller prototype body armour system could improve thoracolumbar range of motion (ROM) and reduce interference when female soldiers performed dynamic postures. 97 female soldiers completed three ROM tasks and seven dynamic postures wearing no armour, an in-service body armour system, and a smaller prototype system.

The effect of fatigue on peak Achilles tendon force in Irish dancing-specific landing tasks.

Achilles tendinopathy is prevalent among Irish dancers, believed to be due to aesthetic technical requirements and high-impact landing tasks. However, the peak Achilles tendon force during Irish dancing-specific landing tasks has not been quantified. Furthermore, the influence of fatigue is unclear.

Bra-body armour integration, breast discomfort and breast injury associated with wearing body armour.

This study investigated whether female soldiers experience bra integration or breast discomfort/injuries related to body armour use and whether these issues were associated with breast size. Ninety-seven Australian Defence Force female soldiers completed a questionnaire and had their breast volume assessed (range: 91-919 ml/breast) using three-dimensional scanning. Twenty-two percent ( = 21) of participants reported integration issues between their bra and body armour, 63% ( = 61) reported breast discomfort while wearing body armour and 27% ( = 26) reported experiencing a breast injury related to wearing body armour.

Identifying problems that female soldiers experience with current-issue body armour.

Despite female soldiers representing a growing user population, military body armour systems are currently better suited to the anthropometric dimensions of male soldiers. The aim of this study was to explore issues that female soldiers experience with current Australian Defence Force (ADF)-issue body armour. Following a sequential exploratory design, an initial questionnaire was completed by 97 Australian female soldiers.

What are the Barriers and Enablers to Physical Activity Participation in Women with Ovarian Cancer? A Rapid Review of the Literature.

Background: Engagement in regular physical activity is recommended for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to aggressive treatment approaches, an increased risk of disease recurrence and low survival rates.

Objectives: To synthesize the current available evidence identifying barriers and enablers to participation in physical activity among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Data Sources: Peer-reviewed articles in electronic databases including CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, Psych INFO and Scopus and key studies' reference lists.

Are female soldiers satisfied with the fit and function of body armour?

Design and development of contemporary military body armour has traditionally focused primarily on male soldiers. As the anthropometric body dimensions of male and female soldiers differ, we aimed to determine whether current body armour was meeting fit and functional requirements of female soldiers. One-hundred and forty-seven female Australian Defence Force soldiers completed a 59-item questionnaire regarding the fit and function of current body armour.

Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community.

Methods: A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups (Not Overweight: body mass index (BMI) = 22.5 ± 0.

Effect of Breast Size on Upper Torso Musculoskeletal Structure and Function: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Research has shown that women with large and hypertrophic breast sizes report an increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal pain in the upper torso. Despite this evidence, factors contributing to the development of musculoskeletal pain among these women are poorly understood, and the threshold at which breast size becomes problematic in terms of musculoskeletal pain is currently unknown.

Methods: Three hundred Australian women (aged 18 to 82 years) who volunteered as participants were divided into four breast size groups (small, breast volume <350 ml; medium, breast volume 350 to 700 ml; large, breast volume 701 to 1200 ml; and hypertrophic, breast volume >1200 ml).

Does breast size affect how women participate in physical activity?

Objectives: Research has shown that women with large breasts experience increased breast motion, which can act as a barrier to participating in physical activity. Despite this evidence, limited research has investigated the effect of breast size on physical activity participation.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Effects of age and body mass index on breast characteristics: a cluster analysis.

Unlabelled: Limited research has quantified variation in the characteristics of the breasts among women and determined how these breast characteristics are influenced by age and body mass. The aim of this study was to classify the breasts of women in the community into different categories based on comprehensive and objective measurements of the characteristics of their breasts and torsos, and to determine the effect of age and body mass index on the prevalence of these breast categories. Four breast characteristic clusters were identified (X-Large, Very-ptotic & Splayed; Large, Ptotic & Splayed; Medium & Mildly-ptotic; and Small & Non-ptotic), with age and BMI shown to significantly affect the breast characteristic clusters.

Can breast characteristics predict upper torso musculoskeletal pain?

Background: Several studies have associated a large breast size with an increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal pain, particularly pain in the upper torso. Despite this evidence, no research has explored whether breast size or related characteristics are risk factors for upper torso musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: A backward multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether characteristics of the breasts and upper torso, as well as physical factors known to be associated with musculoskeletal pain, could predict musculoskeletal pain among a cohort of 378 Australian women aged 18 years and over who had a wide range of breast sizes.

Bra band size measurements derived from three-dimensional scans are not accurate in women with large, ptotic breasts.

This study investigated differences in standard measurements used to determine bra size, under-bust chest circumference (UBCC) and over-bust chest circumference (OBCC), measured from a three-dimensional scan (hand-held scanner) compared to the direct measurement in 111 women (age 21-56 years; right breast volume 57-1672 mL; bra size 10A-18G). Bland-Altman plots of UBCC measurements showed a large positive bias and wide limits of agreement (12 cm; -4.6 to 28 cm), which increased as band size increased but decreased when the breasts were digitally removed from the scan prior to the UBCC measurement.