One of the most common questions I get from parents and patients is how does the ScoliSMART Activity Suit (SAS) compare to the Spine Corporation (SpineCor) Brace?
We shouldn’t simply compare, but rather contrast the differences!
The 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 SpineCor 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
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is used in conjunction with ScoliSMART home-rehab exercises offered by for patients under the age of 18 and as a standalone home-rehab program for adult patients.
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 are different in several ways, but one of the most significant differences is that the Spine Cor 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. Additionally, the Spine Cor device utilizes a lower part of the brace as an anchor for the upper corrective part, which uses bands to control the position of the spine. These corrective bands push, pull, or twist the trunk to offload or improve the position of the spine, and may also involve exercises as part of the treatment plan according to a specific treatment protocol. This allows for targeted and specific correction of the spine, making it a comprehensive treatment option for both children and adult scoliosis or hyperkyphosis anchored by the pelvic base. The ScoliSMART Activity Suit also has the potential benefit of increasing mobility during wear, which may help prevent curve progression and reduce the need for surgery.
Here are some other differences:
The SpineCor, 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 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 only while wearing it.
Supports: | | Passive
De-rotates: | | Passive
The SpineCor device 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 SpineCor, the ScoliSMART Activity Suit is made from a light weight, supportive, comfortable neoprene material.
While SpineCor is not a rigid plastic brace, its straps and their configuration — as well as sizing and overall fit — may be uncomfortable and restrictive. However, the SAS takes a different approach, customizing to the needs of each patient and working with the body’s natural movement to improve the position of the spine through the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis. In comparison, the original Pediatric Dynamic Corrective Brace by SpineCor is specifically designed for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis in children, providing a more comfortable and effective solution for correcting spinal shape using a supposedly sophisticated computer system. For adults, the SpineCor spinal brace, also known as a dynamic brace, is the first and currently the only flexible dynamic brace for the treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis, making it a viable option for those seeking a more comfortable and supportive treatment of scoliosis with the Spinecor Scoliosis Brace for pain relief. The results of using the SpineCor for scoliosis treatment and chronic pain management have been researched and reviewed with mixed results. Regular intervals are recommended for monitoring and adjusting the adult brace or exercise progression to ensure the best results for patients.
Usage
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.
The SpineCor apparatus should be worn up to 20 hours per day and needs to be worn while sleeping.
Effects
Active/reactive care (Activity Suit) retrains muscles and how it communicates with these muscles.
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 from the Spine Cor Brace
Since the 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.
Since the SpineCor 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 device needs to be worn to school every day, which may cause social/emotional trauma.
Click on the Scoli-Fact to see the rest of the Scoliosis Facts!
Cost
$995 – ScoliSMART Activity Suit
$4,500+ – Spine Cor Brace
Note:
Most major insurances partially reimburse for both devices.
Additional Read: Reasons Why ScoliSMART is Better Than Scoliosis Bracing
What are the different types of scoliosis braces?
There are several types of scoliosis braces available, including TLSO (thoracolumbosacral orthosis), Boston brace, Charleston bending brace, Milwaukee brace, and the SpineCor brace. Each brace has its unique design and purpose in managing scoliosis curvature.
