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Research publications

Research Publications

  • Elliott-Sale, , Kirsty J; Dakic, Jodie G.; De Vivo, Marlize; Donnelly, Grainne M.; McGhee, DE; Thornton, Jane; Stroia, Kathleen; Kronk, Christopher; Hayman, Melanie. (2025). Two steps forward, one step back; what research progressions have been made to support the advancement of health and performance in pregnant international and world-class sportswomen since 2016? A scoping review. Women’s Health. 2025. (accepted for publication).
  • Dang R, Stay S, McGhee DE. (2025). Breast-Related Issues in Community-Based Women's Rugby Union. European Journal of Sports Science. 2025 25(7):e12334. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12334.
  • Dang R, Mattock JP, McGhee DE. (2025). Breast injuries in women's sports: a scoping review of a female-specific sports injury. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2025. doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2025.04.004.
  • Cowan SM, Patterson BE, King MG, Girdwood MA, Mosler AB, Donaldson A, Culvenor AG, Bruder AM, Haberfield MJ, Makdissi M, Barton CJ, Roughead E, Lampard S, Chilman K, Bonello C, Birch E, Frost J, McGhee DE, Crossley KM. (2025). Head, Hands, Knees and Ankles, Knees and Ankles: Injury Profiles of Women and Girls Playing Community Australian Football. Sports Health. doi: 10.1177/19417381241303512.
  • McGhee, DE, Potter, E, Anthony, R. Breast-related issues in female international cricket players: prevalence, severity, and perceived effect on performance. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 27, S70. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.075.
  • McGhee, DE, Potter, E, Anthony, R. The prevalence, severity, and mechanism of breast injuries in elite women’s cricket. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024,27, S76. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.085.
  • Tyler, R, McRae, B, Lambert, K, McGhee, DE. The prevalence, severity, and mechanism of breast injuries within women's rugby league. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 27, S33-S34. doi:S1440-2440(24)00271-8/pdf.
  • Donnelly, E, McDonald, W, Stay, S, Stewart, C, Sampson, J, McGhee, DE. A qualitative study of breast protective equipment in women’s contact and combat sports. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 27, S73-S74. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.081
  • Donnelly, E, McDonald, W, Stay, S, Stewart, C, Sampson, J, McGhee, DE. Breast injuries and breast protective equipment in Australian Women’s Rugby union. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 27, S69. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.073.
  • Donnelly, E, McDonald, W, Stay, S, Stewart, C, Sampson, J, McGhee, DE. Perceived knowledge of sports bras and bra fit in Australian Women’s Rugby union. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 27, S72. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.078.
  • McGhee DE, McMahon T & Steele JR. Patient perceptions of physical rehabilitation and its method of delivery for a variety of adverse physical effects following breast cancer surgery. An observational mixed methods study. European Journal of Cancer Care. 2024. doi: 10.1155/2024/6612611.
  • Fong, HB, Nelson, AK, McGhee, DE, Ford, KR, Powell, DW. Increasing breast support is associated with a distal-to-proximal redistribution of joint negative work during a double-limb landing task. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 2024, 40(1),14-20. doi: 10.1123/JAB.2022-0244.
  • Pan, F., Khoo, K., Talou, GDM, Song, F, McGhee, DE, Doyle, AJ, Nielsen, PMF, Nash, PM, Babarenda Gamage, PM, T.P. Quantifying changes in shoulder orientation between the prone and supine positions from magnetic resonance imaging. 2024. Clinical Biomechanics. 2024, 111, 106157. doi:10.1016/J.CLINBIOMECH.2023.106157.
  • Tyler, R, McRae, B, Lambert, K, McGhee, DE. The prevalence, severity, and mechanism of breast injuries within women's rugby league. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2023, 26, S169-S170. doi: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2023.08.076.
  • Dang, R, Stay, S, McGhee, DE. Breast injuries and breast protection and breast pain and breast support in community-based female rugby union athletes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 26, S157-S158. doi: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2023.08.052. O2023SMA-225.
  • McGhee, DE, Potter, E, Strachan, S. The effect of a sports bra intervention on perceived breast pain and movement, and bra comfort and support in elite female cricket players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2024, 26, S165. doi: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2023.08.067.
  • McGhee, DE & Steele, JR. Changes to breast structure and function across a woman's lifespan: Implications for managing and modeling female breast injuries. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106031
  • McGhee, DE, McMahon, T & Steele, JR. Patient perceptions of physical rehabilitation and its method of delivery for a variety of adverse physical effects following breast cancer surgery. The Breast, 2023, 68, 234. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2022.12.015.
  • Patterson, B, King, M; S Cowan; A Mosler; A Bruder; A Clarke; M Haberfield; M Girdwood; A Culvenor; A Donaldson, McGhee, DE, et al. Self-reported injuries in 2440 women and girls playing community Australian football: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2022 doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.09.029.
  • Fong, HB, Nelson, AK, Storey, JE, McGhee, DE, Greenwood, D, Powell, DW. Greater breast support alters trunk and knee joint biomechanics commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2022, 4, 861553. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.861553.
  • Oon, IH, Mara, JK, Steele, JR, McGhee, DE, Lewis, V, Coltman, CE. Women with larger breasts are less satisfied with their breasts: Implications for quality of life and physical activity participation. Women's Health, 2022. doi: 10.1177/17455057221109394.
  • Coltman, CE, McGhee, DE & Steele, JR How much error is associated with calculating breast volume from three-dimensional breast scans obtained when women are standing? Implications for bra design and bra fit? Ergonomics. 2022. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2081365.
  • McGhee, DE & Steele, JR. Access to Physical Rehabilitation for a Range of Adverse Physical Effects Following Different Types of Breast Cancer Surgery. Rehabilitation Oncology, 2022, 29(2), 787-794. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05534-6.

 

  • McGhee, DE & Steele, JR. Physical side-effects following breast reconstructive surgery impact physical activity and function. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2021, 29(2), 787-794. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05534-6.
  • Brisbine, BR, Steele, JR, Phillips, E & McGhee, DE. Can physical characteristics and sports bra use predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes? Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020, 31(6), pp. e380-e384. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000831.
  • McGhee, DE & Steele, JR. Do the adverse physical effects of breast cancer surgery affect participation in physical activity and sport? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.048
  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Perspectives for Progress: Biomechanics of breast support for active women. Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews, 2020, 48(3): 99-109 (invited paper).
  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Video Abstract: Biomechanics of Breast Support for Active Women. Associated with Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 2020,48(3): 99-109. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Pages/videogallery.aspx.
  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Breast biomechanics: What do we really know? Physiology, 2020, 35(2): 144-156 (invited paper).
  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Physical side-effects following breast reconstructive surgery impact physical activity and function. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2020, 29(2), 787-794. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05534-6.
  • Gaskin KM, Peoples GE & McGhee DE. The fibro-adipose structure of the female breast: A dissection study. Clinical Anatomy, 2020, 33(1): 146-155.
  • Gaskin KM, Peoples GE & McGhee DE. The attachments of the breast to the chest wall: A dissection study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2020, 146(1):11e-22e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006954.
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. Can physical characteristics and sports bra use predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes? Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000831.
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. Breast and torso characteristics of female contact football players: Implications for the design of sports bra and breast protection. Ergonomics, 2020, 63(7): 850-863.
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. Breast pain affects the performance of elite female athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2020, 38(5): 528-533.
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. Use and perception of breast protective equipment by female contact football players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2020, 23(9): 820-825.
  • McGhee, D.E., Mikilewicz, K.L. & Steele, J.R. Effect of external breast prosthesis mass on bra strap loading and discomfort in women with a unilateral mastectomy. Clinical Biomechanics, 2020, 73, 86-91.
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. Breast injuries reported by female contact football players based on football code, player position and competition level. Science and Medicine in Football, 2020, 4(2): 148-155.
  • Steele, J.R., Coltman, C.E. & McGhee, D.E. Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2020, 9(2): 140-148. Open Access (invited paper).
  • Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips E & McGhee DE. The occurrence, causes and perceived performance effects of breast injuries in elite female athletes. Journal of Sport Science and Medicine, 2019, 18: 569-576. Open Access
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Effect of breast size on upper torso musculoskeletal structure and function: A cross-sectional study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2019, 143:686-695.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Does breast size affect how women participate in physical activity? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2019, 22:324-329.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Effects of age and body mass index on breast characteristics: A cluster analysis. Ergonomics, 2018, 61:1232-1245.
  • Steele JR, Gho SA, Campbell TE, Richards CJ, Beirne S, Spinks GM & Wallace GG. The Bionic Bra: Using electromaterials to sense and modify breast support to enhance active living. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering (RATE), 2018, 5:1-9.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Which bra components contribute to incorrect bra fit in women across a range of breast sizes? Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 2018, 36:78-90.
  • McGhee DE, Ramsay LG, Coltman CE, Gho SA & Steele JR. Bra band size measurements derived from three-dimensional scans are not accurate in women with large, ptotic breasts. Ergonomics, 2018, 61:464-472.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE Can breast characteristics predict upper torso musculoskeletal pain? Clinical Biomechanics, 2018, 53:46-53.
  • McGhee DE, Coltman KA, Riddiford-Harland DL & Steele JR. Upper torso pain and musculoskeletal structure and function in women with and without large breasts: A cross sectional study. Clinical Biomechanics. 2018, 51:99-104.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Breast volume is affected by body mass index but not age. Ergonomics. 2017, 60:1576-1585.
  • Coltman CE, Steele JR & McGhee DE. Effect of aging on breast skin thickness and elasticity: Implications for breast support. Skin Research & Technology, 2017, 23:303-311.
  • Coltman CE, McGhee DE & Steele JR. Three-dimensional scanning in women with large, ptotic breasts: Implications for bra cup sizing and design. Ergonomics, 2017, 60:439-445.
  • Chen X, Gho SA, Wang J & Steele JR. Effect of sports bra type and gait speed on breast discomfort, bra discomfort and perceived breast movement in Chinese women. Ergonomics, 2016, 59:130-142.
  • Coltman CE, McGhee DE & Steele JR. Bra strap orientations and designs to minimise bra strap discomfort and pressure during sport and exercise in women with large breasts. Sports Medicine – Open, 2015, 1:21.
  • Gho SA, Munro BJ, Jones SC & Steele JR. Perceived exercise barriers explain exercise participation in Australian women treated for breast cancer better than perceived exercise benefits. Physical Therapy, 2014, 94:1765-1774.
  • Gho SA, Munro BJ, Jones SC & Steele JR. Evidence-based recommendations for building better bras for women treated for breast cancer. Ergonomics, 2014, 57:774-786.
  • Gho SA, Steele JR, Jones SC & Munro BJ. Exercise bra discomfort is associated with insufficient exercise levels among Australian women treated for breast cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2014, 22:721-729.

 

  • Bowles K-A & Steele JR. Effects of strap cushions and strap orientation on comfort and sports bra performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2013, 45:1113-1119.
  • Gho SA, Steele JR, Jones SC & Munro BJ. Self-reported side effects of breast cancer treatment: A cross-sectional study of incidence, associations, and the influence of exercise Cancer Causes & Control, 2013, 24:517-528.
  • McGhee DE, Steele JR, Zealey WJ & Takacs G. Bra-breast forces generated in women with large breasts while standing and during treadmill running: Implications for sports bra design. Applied Ergonomics, 2013, 44:112-118.

 

  • Bowles K-A, Steele JR & Munro BJ. Features of sports bras that deter their use by Australian women. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2012, 15:195-200.

 

  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Breast volume and bra size. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 2011, 23:351-360.

 

  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Optimising breast support in female patients through correct bra fit. A cross sectional study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2010, 13:568-572.
  • McGhee DE & Steele JR. Breast elevation and compression decreases exercise-induced breast discomfort. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2010, 42:1333-1338.
  • Gho SA, Steele JR & Munro BJ. Is bra discomfort a barrier to exercise for breast cancer patients? Supportive Care in Cancer, 2010, 18:735-741.
  • McGhee DE, Steele JR & Munro BJ. Education improves bra knowledge and fit, and level of breast support in adolescent female athletes: A cluster-randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 2010, 56:19-24.
  • Bowles K-A, Steele JR & Munro B. What are the breast support choices of Australian women during physical activity? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008, 42:670-673.
  • McGhee DE, Steele JR & Power BM. Does deep water running reduce exercise-induced breast discomfort? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007, 41:879-883.
  • Campbell TE, Munro BJ, Wallace GG & Steele JR. Can fabric sensors monitor breast motion? Journal of Biomechanics, 2007, 40:3056-3059.
  • McGhee DM & Steele JR. How do respiratory state and measurement method affect bra size calculations? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2006, 40:970-974.
  • Bowles K-A, Steele JR & Chaunchaiyakul R. Do current sports brassiere designs impede respiratory function? Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 2005, 37:1633-1640.
  • Page K-A & Steele JR. Breast motion and sports brassiere design: Implications for future research (Leading Article). Sports Medicine, 1999, 27:205-211.