Our Research and Testing
At Zena Sport, performance starts with protection.
We created Zena Sport to solve a serious gap in female sport—Contact Breast Injuries (CBIs). Until recently, these injuries were under-researched, under-reported, and most importantly, unprotected against.
But the data is clear.
According to a 2024 study published in PubMed:
🟣 59.5% of female softball players reported experiencing a CBI
🟣 48.4% of elite AFLW players sustained a direct breast or chest impact in just one season
🟣 In rugby, over 60% of female athletes reported a CBI, many resulting in swelling, bruising, or time off sport
🟣 Even in non-contact sports like basketball and soccer, 25–33% of female players experienced chest impact that caused pain or distraction
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.
So, we built the solution.
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.
Our Chest Protectors are:
🛡️ 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
“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
🧪 See the research.
-
📊 Download Zena’s impact testing results – certified by Deakin University below