New research by Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr and the team at Progressive Sports Technologies (PST) reveals that sports bras using RHEON technology can reduce breast movement by an additional 15% during physical activity. The study, commissioned by RHEON LABS®, aimed to address a key barrier for women in sport: how to reduce breast movement, and thus pain, without increasing compression.
The research
Conducted by Progressive Sports Technologies, the study tested medium-support bras featuring RHEON technology against the same sports bra without RHEON™. Key findings include:
- An additional 15% reduction in breast movement during medium-intensity exercise, thanks to the adaptive properties of RHEON™
- The application of RHEON™ increased bra support level from ‘Medium’ to ‘High’ without any additional compression, improving comfort
- Improved motion control in dynamic movements – like the transition from walking to running
These findings represent a step forward in tackling one of the physical challenges women face in sport – and particularly in multi-directional sports like football and tennis or stop-start running and interval training.
Professor Wakefield-Scurr explained: “We know that inadequate breast support can have a real impact on comfort and performance. Our findings demonstrate how small but significant innovations can make a meaningful difference to women’s experiences during physical activity. Poor breast support isn’t just a comfort issue — it’s a long-term health consideration. Technologies like RHEON provide a much-needed solution, allowing women to move confidently and comfortably.”
The problem with high compression
Forces moving through the breast can increase whilst exercising – meaning breasts move more vigorously, which can cause irreversible skin stretching, which could result in sagging and pain. To address this, bra developers typically rely on compression, flattening the breasts to minimise movement – though compression can feel restrictive or even painful, especially during long workouts. Research shows that excessive compression doesn’t just affect comfort — it can impair oxygen consumption, reduce endurance, and lower running speeds.
Encapsulation sports bras, while effective at reducing breast movement, often rely on rigid structures that don’t adapt to the body’s changing needs during exercise.
How RHEON works: Reducing movement without additional compression
At the heart of this technology is RHEON, a patented reactive polymer developed by RHEON LABS®. Naturally soft and flexible, it stiffens under strain to absorb energy and provide targeted support – like running on wet sand. In sports bras, the strips of highly strain rate sensitive RHEON™ polymer are strategically placed across the breast tissue. These provide dynamic support that adapts to the body’s movements, without feeling restrictive.
A recent study from Portsmouth University showed that women can lose up to four centimetres of stride length due to poorly controlled breast movement while running, which equates to running an extra mile over the length of a marathon. RHEON’s recent study proves the addition of RHEON technology in bras reduces breast movement during exercise by an additional 15%, providing adaptive support that only stiffens when needed.
Dr Sarah Karmel, Chief Science Office at RHEON Labs, said: “Our aim has always been to create technology that works with the body rather than against it. This research shows how RHEON™ adapts to women’s movements, offering support exactly where and when it’s needed. It’s a game-changer for active women who want to feel comfortable and confident while they move – because sports should be about pushing your limits, not battling discomfort.”
What’s next
RHEON LABS® is working with leading brands, including adidas, to bring this technology to more products that make a difference in everyday life. The adidas Techfit collection is available to buy in store and online. Check adidas.co.uk for the latest stockist and pricing information.
