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. Eighty-seven high school girls in years 9 and 10 (age range: 14-16 y) were mentored in teams (n = 17) by women in biomechanics (n = 24). Using a design thinking approach, teams generated solutions to biomechanics-based problem(s)/research question(s). Eight key reflections on program strengths, as well as areas for improvement and planned changes for future iterations of the BRInC program, are outlined. These key reflections highlight the innovation, impact, and scalability of the program; the importance of a program framework and effective communication tools; and implementation of strategies to sustain the program as well as the importance of diversity and building a sense of community.

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: 18.1-83.7 years) had their body mass (kg), standing height (cm) and breast volume (ml) measured. A 13-item questionnaire comprising the Breast-Q and Active Australia Survey was used to assess breast satisfaction, quality of life outcomes and participation in physical activity. RESULTS: Breast satisfaction was influenced by breast size, such that women with larger breasts were less satisfied with their breasts compared to their counterparts with smaller breasts. Greater breast satisfaction was associated with improved psychosocial and sexual well-being-related measures of quality of life, and time spent participating in physical activity. CONCLUSION: Interventions to improve breast satisfaction among women across the breast size spectrum should be encouraged in public health initiatives to better engage and encourage positive health behaviours and reduce potential adverse health implications.