DOES SPORTS BRA LIMIT METABOLIC PROFILES DURING CONSTANT SPEED RUNNING?

Abstract

To investigate whether sports bra distress on metabolism during jogging or not, 15 healthy female subjects were participated in three exercise trials of no bra (NB), casual bra (CB) and sports bra (SB) conditions. Exercise condition was conducted on a motor-driven treadmill at 4 mph, 0% grade up to 80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate with randomized bra conditions at least a week apart. Anthropometric data and maximum oxygen consumption were determined under CB condition. Results revealed that there were no changes in metabolic profiles of SB at rest and during exercise when compared with that of CB and NB conditions. With the exception of respiratory exchange ratio (RER), all groups exhibited similar changing patterns of rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂), rate of carbon dioxide production (VCO₂) and energy expenditure (EE) which related to the intensity of exercise and these changes found to be declined during recovery period. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences on metabolic variables among NB, CB and SB. However, while NB had immediate recovery, SB recovery was delayed for 1-2 min and CB showed further delayed for 3 min. In addition, this study demonstrated the critical roles of glycolytic pathway as a main energy substrate. In conclusion, sports bra does not limit metabolic profiles at rest and during exercise but may delay some recovery processes. 

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2015;15(1): 109-120 )