A revolutionary Irish innovation in running shorts is set to bring relief to women who suffer from a condition that may prevent over one third of them from exercising.
A recent study in Trinity College Dublin found that 52% of women leaked urine three months after the birth of their first baby.
Research has found that 33% of women occasionally lose urine without meaning to during physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
Yvonne Brady was one of these women, and the Drogheda engineer vowed to successfully design running shorts that solve a problem that prevents many women from returning to exercise, especially after pregnancy.
“EVB Sports Shorts now lead the way in providing compression support shorts for women, and are endorsed by both medical and sporting professionals nationwide,” said Yvonne.
“They provide support in the places that women need, and give them the confidence and femininity needed to produce performance.
“They feature medical grade compression panels to provide support to the abdomen, lower back and perineum, with the shorts effectively taking pressure off the core muscles.”
The shorts were featured on Dragon’s Den (Sunday April 6) and were a hit with Dragons Gavin Duffy and Ramona Nicholas who purchased 40% of the company for an investment of €90,000.
Yvonne was driven to design a solution to this issue after she returned to exercise after having her third child.
“I suffered as a result of weakened core muscles, and almost gave up, but the engineer in me decided that I could give women the sort of targeted, structured support that they needed.
“The MAMMI study, recently carried out by Deirdre Daly, a Health Research Board Clinical Fellow at Trinity College, Professors Cecily Begley and Mike Clarke, found that 62% of women do not talk to a healthcare profession about leaking.
“In short, they are unaware that this problem is so widespread and that there is a solution.
“I hope that by appearing on Dragon’s Den that we can raise awareness of this issue that affects the confidence and performance of so many women.
“The fact that we are now endorsed by a series of the top women’s health physiotherapists in Ireland has really helped to establish the brand as the safest way for women to get back into high-impact sport after they have had children.
“I have been abroad to several trade shows and I intend that EVB Sports Shorts will be the number one choice for women who want to exercise safely and with confidence both in Ireland and on the continent.”
The shorts have also been endorsed by one of Ireland’s top female athletes, Olympian Maria McCambridge.
“I am delighted to be associated with EVB Sports Shorts, having seen so many women quit sport because they are unable to access the support that these shorts provide,” said the 2013 Dublin Marathon champion.
“As a mother myself, I know how important it is to take care of your core muscles.”
EVB Sports Shorts are available from www.evbsportsshorts.com and retail at €49.95.