Scientists at the University of Wollongong are developing a smart bra that will change its properties in response to breast movement, giving better support to active women when they need it most.

Crafted from a new generation of intelligent fabrics, the ultimate Smart Bra will tighten and loosen its straps, or stiffen and relax its cups, to restrict breast motion, preventing breast discomfort and sag.

Predicted to outperform any existing bra in the support stakes, it will encourage more large-breasted women back to sports, and in extreme cases, stop clavicles snapping from the sudden movement of excessively heavy breasts.

Preliminary research using polymer sensors on standard bras to measure strap loading and possible breathing restriction was demonstrated at the University's Biomechanics Research Laboratory on May 29, 2000. The preliminary study is being conducted by a doctoral candidate from the Laboratory, Ms Kelly-Ann Bowles.

Fabric sensors attached to the straps and midriff of a standard bra, worn by a model in motion, will monitor breast movement and relay data in real time to a computer via a telemetry system.

Information gathered from the tests will eventually be stored on a tiny microchip that will serve as the 'brain' of the ultimate Smart Bra, signalling the polymer fabric to expand and contract in response to breast movement.

The Smart Bra is the first in a suite of smart textiles projects conducted by researchers from the University's internationally-renowned Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) in conjunction with the Biomechanics Research Laboratory headed by Dr Julie Steele.

The unique combination brings together the expertise of Dr Steele's group in breast motion and the sensor/actuator capabilities of the IPRI. IPRI director, Professor Gordon Wallace, said that although the eventual Smart Bra would appeal to a fairly small market, applications for the technology were endless, either as a monitoring system or an actuated fabric.

"It will be the first time intelligent polymer systems have been completely integrated into fabric structure," Professor Wallace said. "This represents a major advance in the field of technical textiles, which is gaining tremendous momentum throughout the world. "Applications for the technology include support bandages and prosthetics. The IPRI is collaborating with the University of Pisa in Italy, and Smartex, to produce new health-monitoring clothing."