Influence of Wearing a Brassiere on Pain and EMG Activity of the Upper Trapezius in Women with Upper Trapezius Region Pain

[Purpose] This study examined the effect of wearing a brassiere on upper trapezius (UT) region pain and EMG activity during arm elevation by women. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy women were recruited. Surface EMG data were collected from the UT muscles during arm elevation. Pressure pain in the UT region was measured using a baseline dolorimeter. [Results] The EMG activity of the UT increased significantly when a brassiere was worn compared to without. UT region pain showed no significant difference between with and without wearing a brassiere. [Conclusion] This suggests that wearing a brassiere increases the muscle activation of the UT in women.