Use of the CTAR Ball can achieve therapeutic effects comparable to those of the Shaker Exercise (Yoon et al. 2014) without as much strain on the neck.
- Using the Chin Tuck Against Resistance exercise can be effective in exercising the suprahyoid muscles.
- Strengthening the suprahyoid muscles contributes to the upward and forward movement of the larynx and hyoid bone.
- This facilitates the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter.
The CTAR Ball is placed on the manubrium steni and the user is asked to tuck the chin against the ball while squeezing it. The user is asked to either hold the tuck or to tuck and release repetitively.
The CTAR BALL can also be used to perform the Jaw Opening Against Resistance (JOAR) exercise. Here the patient tucks against the ball and opens his jaws to his maximum extent. This position is held for 10 seconds and repeated 5 times.
The CTAR Ball comes complete with instructions.