Research & testing

Backed by
the science.

Contact breast injuries are common in female sport, and almost never talked about. We spent over four years working with Deakin University to build protection that actually works.

Deakin University testedUp to 75% impact absorbedPatented design
Softball pitcher wearing the Zena Sport chest protector
The problem

The data is clear.

According to a 2024 study published in PubMed:

59.5%of female softball players reported experiencing a contact breast injury (CBI)
48.4%of elite AFLW players sustained a direct breast or chest impact in just one season
60%+of female rugby athletes reported a CBI, many resulting in swelling, bruising or time off sport
<10%of these injuries are ever reported or treated
Why it matters

Under-researched. Under-reported. Unprotected.

We created Zena Sport to solve a serious problem in female sport: Contact Breast Injuries (CBIs). Until recently, these injuries were under-researched, under-reported, and most importantly, unprotected against.

Despite this, less than 10% of these injuries are ever reported or treated, with stigma, lack of education and a lack of appropriate protective wear playing major roles.

25-33%Even in non-contact sportof female basketball and soccer players experienced chest impact that caused pain or distraction
The solution

Built for the female body.

Over four years of research and development with Deakin University and the Centre for Sport Research, we created the Zena Sport Chest Protector, designed specifically for the female body, movement patterns and injury risks in high-intensity sport.

  • Scientifically tested to absorb up to 75% of impact
  • Lightweight and flexible, designed not to interfere with performance
  • Backed by independent testing and real athlete data
  • Used across AFLW, rugby, softball, basketball and more
75%Impact absorbedUp to 75%, independently tested with Deakin University
We didn’t just want to make gear for girls. We wanted to create a scientific solution to a real problem that keeps female athletes in the game longer.
Donna Johnson, Founder, Zena Sport

Play it with your chest.

Protection that’s tested, patented and made for the girls.