The Effect of Breast Size on Spinal Posture

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Macromastia can lead to debilitating symptoms like back and shoulder pain.
• A clear correlation between breast size and back pain remains elusive.
• Non-invasive assessment of posture in relation to breast size is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the measurable effects of increasing breast size on women's posture.
• To utilize radiation-free surface topography for posture analysis.
• To establish a correlation between breast cup size and postural changes.

Main Methods:

• 100 women were categorized into four breast cup size groups (A, B, C, D).
• Posture analysis was performed using a surface topography system.
• Spinal posture and pelvic inclination were measured and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Breast cup size significantly influenced kyphotic angle (p=0.027) and surface rotation (p=0.039).
• Kyphotic angle showed a positive correlation with increasing cup size.
• Body mass index (BMI) demonstrated a stronger correlation with postural parameters than breast size.

Conclusions:

• Breast size has a statistically significant, albeit moderate, effect on spinal posture.
• Body mass index is a more dominant factor influencing spinal and pelvic posture.
• Surface topography is a valuable tool for studying breast size and posture relationships.