One of the most common questions I get from parents and patients is how does the ScoliSMART Activity Suit compare to the Spine Corporation (SpineCor) Brace?
We shouldn’t simply compare, but rather contrast the differences!
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is to the SpineCor Brace as apples are to oranges — they are different products, designed to do different things and yield different results. Perhaps the only thing they have in common is that both are used to treat patients with scoliosis — kids and adults.
Let me explain.
Goals
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
The goal of the ScoliSMART Activity Suit is to harness the energy of natural movement to create new muscle memory. The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is put on in a fashion that primarily helps with rotation.
As such, it is referred to as active/reactive care.
SpineCor Brace
The goal of the SpineCor Brace is to use the tension straps to pull the spine into a more corrective position using forced correction.
Hence, it is referred to as passive support.
Scope of Treatment
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is used in conjunction with ScoliSMART home-rehab exercises offered by ScoliSMART Clinics for patients under the age of 18 and as a standalone home-rehab program for adult patients.
SpineCor Brace
Offered as a full-time rigid brace alternative.
How is the ScoliSMART Activity Suit different from the SpineCor Brace?
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit and SpineCor Brace are different in several ways, but one of the most significant differences is that the SpineCor Brace anchors off of the pelvis (which is still part of the scoliosis spine), and the ScoliSMART Activity Suit anchors off of the leg (not part of the scoliosis spine). The ScoliSMART Activity Suit bypasses the pelvis and attaches only to the thigh; therefore, the pelvis is allowed to participate in the active correction.
Here are some other differences:
The SpineCor Brace, while flexible, is still forcing the spine into a straighter position by having the patient assume an artificially corrected posture while cinching the brace in hopes of maintaining that position.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is more akin to an exercise apparatus than a brace. It does not force the spine straight; it creates a rotational force to which the body must react, and in turn, this muscle reaction de-rotates the spine, resulting in curve correction.
In short, the SpineCor Brace is passive forced correction whereas the ScoliSMART Activity Suit is active muscle correction.
Results
ScoliSMART Activity Suit |
SpineCor Brace |
|
|---|---|---|
| Corrective Body Suit: | |
Not a suit; this is only a brace. |
| Corrects: | |
Passive correction while in the brace. |
| Supports: | |
Passive |
| De-rotates: | |
Passive |
The SpineCor Brace is not an activity suit. It is merely a brace.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit supports, corrects, and de-rotates the spine naturally, never forcefully. Unlike the SpineCor Brace, the ScoliSMART Activity Suit is made from a breathable, supportive, comfortable neoprene material.
While the SpineCor Brace is not a rigid plastic brace, its straps and their configuration — as well as sizing and overall fit — may be uncomfortable and restrictive. Braces, after all, are designed to hold and force a current position, not correct, support, or work with the body’s natural movement to naturally de-rotate the spine.
Usage
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit should be worn 1-3 hours per day and should not be worn to bed or while sitting; it should be worn while moving or exercising.
SpineCor Brace
The SpineCor Brace should be worn up to 20 hours per day and needs to be worn while sleeping.
Effects
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
Active/reactive care (ScoliSMART Activity Suit) retrains muscles and how the suit communicates with these muscles.
SpineCor Brace
The Spine Corporation has published studies claiming lasting benefits; however, independently conducted studies have not been able to replicate those claims.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is an active/reactive device that is used in conjunction with the ScoliSMART exercise rehab program.
Impact on Social & Emotional Health
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
Since the ScoliSMART Activity Suit is worn for a short period of time, it does not create any skin irritations and is far less likely to result in social/emotional trauma from having to wear it all day during school and around peers.
SpineCor Brace
Since the SpineCor Brace is worn for most of the day, skin irritations are inevitable. When irritations occur, the brace needs to be taken off for a few days — sometimes up to a week — for the skin to heal.
The SpineCor Brace needs to be worn to school every day, which may cause social/emotional trauma.
Cost
ScoliSMART Activity Suit
$1,500
SpineCor Brace
$4,500+
Note:
Most major insurances partially reimburse for both devices.
Additional Read: Reasons Why ScoliSMART is Better Than Scoliosis Bracing
