Measuring device

Abstract

A device 1 for measuring the position of a head of a subject (2, fig 2) relative to a wall (3, fig 2) against which they are standing is positioned in contact with the wall 3 and includes at least two indicator zones 21, 22 for indicating whether the position of the tragus (7, fig 3A) of the subject 2 relative to the wall 3 corresponds to a normal head position (first indicator zone 21) or an abnormal head position (second indicator zone 22). The second indicator zone 22 may correspond to a forward head position. There may be a third indicator zone 23 corresponding to an extended neck position. The second and third indicator zones 22, 23 may be graded with numbers and / or colours 31-33, 41-43 to indicate the severity of the abnormal head position. The device 1 may include a base 10 with a wall abutment surface 8. The device may be used in a tragus to wall test (TWT) and may be used to generate a posture score.

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring device, in particular to a device for measuring the head position of a subject. Poor posture, in particular forward head posture, which is characterised by a subject's head being positioned in front of its natural position over the spine, can be a symptom of various conditions, such as long term poor posture, injury, muscle weakness in the upper back and other organic diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Poor posture is a major problem in many countries around the world. Whilst poor posture is not, in itself, a medical illness, it can result in pain and discomfort for an individual. For example, an individual with poor posture can suffer from pain in the back and neck, shoulder pain and headaches. Whilst poor posture can have various causes, including injury and illness, a major cause of poor posture is due to lifestyle factors. For example, it is common for people to spend many hours each day sitting in front of a computer screen or in jobs that involve little movement or exercise. This can result in pain in the back and neck, shoulder pain, headaches and, in particular, a forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Whilst poor posture can often be corrected through exercise or manual physical therapy, there is a need to be able to measure the position of a subject's head in order to assess whether correction is required and to also determine whether correction has been effective. One way of determining whether a subject's head is in the correct position is to measure the distance of the subject's tragus from a wall when the subject is standing against a wall. This is known as the Tragus to Wall Test. The tragus is a prominence on the ear in front of the opening to the ear canal. An increased distance from the tragus to the wall indicates a forward head posture. Whilst the Tragus to Wall test can measure the position of a subject's head from a wall, it is not without its problems. In particular, it is often performed with a simple ruler or tape measure and so it is difficult to provide an accurate, reliable and comparable test. For example, even if the distance from the tragus to the wall is accurately measured, this measurement must then be accurately correlated with either a normal head position or an abnormal head position. In order for the test to be reliable and comparable, the same correlations must be made between different tests. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing, wherein the device is for positioning in contact with the wall and comprises at least two indicator zones for indicating whether the position of the tragus of the subject relative to the wall corresponds to a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein a first indicator zone corresponds to a normal head position and a second indicator zone corresponds to an abnormal head position. Preferably, the device is for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing with their bottom and rib cage against the wall. Preferably, the device is for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing with their bottom and rib cage against the wall with the subject in a normal standing position. As will be appreciated, reference herein to a "normal standing position" is a standing position in which the subject would normally stand, without attempting to adopt a position in which their head is either further forward or rearward than it would normally be for the subject. As will be appreciated, reference herein to a normal head position is a position at which the head is in a neutral position over the spine of the subject. This is a position where the weight of the head causes minimal stress to the supporting structures below. Preferably, reference to a normal head position is a position which is not a forward head position. As will be appreciated, reference herein to a forward head position is a position at which the tragus is further away from the wall than for a normal head position. Preferably, reference herein to "a forward head position" means "forward head posture". Preferably, reference to a normal head position is a position which is not a forward head position or an extended neck position. As will be appreciated, reference herein to an extended neck position is a position at which the tragus is nearer to the wall than for a normal head position. Preferably, reference herein to "an extended neck position" means "extended neck posture". As will also be appreciated, reference herein to an abnormal head position is a position at which the head is not in a neutral position over the spine of the subject. Preferably, reference to an abnormal head position is a forward head position. Preferably, reference to an abnormal head position is a forward head position or an extended neck position. Preferably, reference herein to "normal head position" means "normal posture". Preferably, reference herein to "abnormal head position" means "abnormal posture". Preferably, reference herein to "abnormal posture" means "poor posture". As such, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing, wherein the device is for positioning in contact with the wall and comprises at least two indicator zones for indicating whether the position of the tragus of the subject corresponds to normal posture or abnormal posture of the subject, wherein a first indicator zone corresponds to normal posture and a second indicator zone corresponds to abnormal posture. Preferably, the second indicator zone corresponds to a forward head position. Alternatively, the second indicator zone corresponds to an extended neck position. Preferably, the device comprises a third indicator zone which corresponds to an abnormal head position. Preferably, the third indicator zone corresponds to an extended neck position. Alternatively, the third indicator zone corresponds to a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone corresponds to a forward head position and the third indicator zone corresponds to an extended neck position. Preferably, the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall which is greater than that of the first indicator zone. Preferably, the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall which is less than that of the first indicator zone. Preferably, the first indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 12cm and about 15cm. Preferably, the first indicator zone is between about 12cm and about 15cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of greater than about 15cm. Preferably, the second indicator zone is more than about 15cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 15cm and about 25cm, preferably between about 15cm and about 23cm. Preferably, the second indicator zone is between about 15cm and about 25cm, preferably between about 15cm and about 23cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of less than about 12cm. Preferably, the third indicator zone is less than about 12cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 6cm and about 12cm, preferably between about 6.5cm and about 12cm, preferably between about 6.4cm and about 12cm. Preferably, the third indicator zone is between about 6cm and about 12cm, preferably between about 6.5cm and about 12cm, preferably between about 6.4cm and about 12cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the device is for providing a posture score. Preferably, the second indicator zone is graded to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises at least two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises at least three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises a first region corresponding to a mild abnormal head position, and a second region corresponding to a moderate or severe abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a mild forward head position, and the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a moderate or severe forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises a first region corresponding to a mild abnormal head position, a second region corresponding to a moderate abnormal head position, and a third region corresponding to a severe abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a mild forward head position, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a moderate forward head position, and the third region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a severe forward head position. Preferably, one or more of the regions of the second indicator zone are labelled to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone is labelled as "mild", and the second region of the second indicator zone is labelled as "moderate to severe". Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone is labelled as "mild", the second region of the second indicator zone is labelled as "moderate", and the third region of the second indicator zone is labelled as "severe". Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of at least about 15cm. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone is at least about 15cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 15cm and about 17.5cm, preferably of between about 15cm and about 17.4cm. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone is between about 15cm and about 17.5cm, preferably between about 15cm and about 17.4cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of at least about 17.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone is at least about 17.4cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 17.4cm and about 23cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone is between about 17.4cm and about 23cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 17.4cm and about 20.6cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone is between about 17.4cm and about 20.6cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of at least about 20.6cm. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone is at least about 20.6cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 20.6cm and about 23cm. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone is between about 20.6cm and about 23cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the regions are coloured to provide an indication of the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably wherein the colours are selected from amber and red. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone is coloured amber. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone is coloured red. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone is coloured red. Preferably, the second indicator zone is numbered to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably a forward head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone is numbered to indicate a distance from the first indicator zone. Preferably, the second indicator zone is numbered to indicate a distance between the subject's tragus and the first indicator zone. The present invention is particularly advantageous compared to, for example, a ruler which only provides a distance of the tragus from the wall. In contrast, the device of the present invention provides an indication of how far away from a normal range the distance of the tragus from the wall is. Accordingly, the device not only immediately provides a reading of whether the distance of the tragus from the wall is abnormal, but also how abnormal the distance is. This is provided quickly and accurately allowing readings to be compared with other readings using the device in a reliable and comparable way. Preferably, a higher number indicates a greater distance from the first indicator zone. Preferably, a higher number indicates a greater distance of the subject's tragus from the first indicator zone. Preferably, the difference between each number is about 8mm. For example, a number value of 6 indicates a distance of about 48mm from the first indicator zone. A distance of 8mm has been found to be particularly effective at providing numbered posture scores which are able to distinguish between different severities of an abnormal head position. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises one or more lines, preferably a plurality of lines. Preferably, one or more of the lines are labelled by one of said numbers. Preferably, two or more of the lines are each labelled by one of said numbers. Preferably, the lines are about 8mm apart. Preferably, each line corresponds to a different distance from the first indicator zone, wherein the difference in distance from the first indicator zone between adjacent lines is about 8mm. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of up to about 2.5cm, preferably up to about 2.4cm. Preferably, the first region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of between about 0cm and about 2.5cm, preferably of between about Ocm and about 2.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of at least about 2.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between about 2.4cm and about 8cm. Preferably, the second region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between about 2.4cm and 5.6cm. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of at least about 5.6cm. Preferably, the third region of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between about 5.6 and about 8cm. Preferably, the second indicator zone comprises a letter corresponding to a forward head position. Preferably, the letter is "F". This, in combination with the numbering, allows a score to be provided indicating a severity of a forward head position. For example, a score of F4 would indicate a more advanced forward head position than a score of F2. Preferably, the letter and / or the one or more numbers provide a posture score. Preferably, the device provides a posture score corresponding to the position of the tragus in the second indicator zone. Preferably, the third indicator zone is graded to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises at least two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises at least three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises a first region corresponding to a mild abnormal head position, and a second region corresponding to a moderate or severe abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a mild extended neck position, and the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a moderate or severe extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises a first region corresponding to a mild abnormal head position, a second region corresponding to a moderate abnormal head position, and a third region corresponding to a severe abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a mild extended neck position, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a moderate extended neck position, and the third region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a severe extended neck position. Preferably, one or more of the regions of the third indicator zone are labelled to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone is labelled as "mild", and the second region of the third indicator zone is labelled as "moderate to severe". Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone is labelled as "mild", the second region of the third indicator zone is labelled as "moderate", and the third region of the third indicator zone is labelled as "severe". Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of less than about 12cm. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone is less than about 12cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 10.4cm and about 12cm. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone is between about 10.4cm and about 12cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of less than about 10.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone is less than about 10.4cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 6.4cm and about 10.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone is between about 6.4cm and about 10.4 from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 8.8cm and about 10.4cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone is between about 8.8cm and about 10.4 from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of less than about 8.8cm. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone is less than about 8.8cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 6.4cm and about 8.8cm. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone is between about 6.4cm and about 8.8cm from a wall abutment surface of the device. Preferably, the regions are coloured to provide an indication of the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably wherein the colours are selected from amber and red. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone is coloured amber. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone is coloured red. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone is coloured red. Preferably, the third indicator zone is numbered to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably an extended neck position. Preferably, the third indicator zone is numbered to indicate a distance from the first indicator zone. Preferably, the third indicator zone is numbered to indicate a distance between the subject's tragus and the first indicator zone. As with the corresponding features of the second indicator zone, this is particularly advantageous compared to, for example, a ruler which only provides a distance of the tragus from the wall. In contrast, the device of the present invention provides an indication of how far away from a normal range the distance of the tragus from the wall is. Accordingly, the device not only immediately provides a reading of whether the distance of the tragus from the wall is abnormal, but also how abnormal the distance is. This is provided quickly and accurately allowing readings to be compared with other readings using the device in a reliable and comparable way. Preferably, a higher number indicates a greater distance from the first indicator zone. Preferably, a higher number indicates a greater distance of the subject's tragus from the first indicator zone. Preferably, the difference between each number is about 8mm. For example, a number value of 4 indicates a distance of about 32mm from the first indicator zone. A distance of 8mm has been found to be particularly effective at providing numbered posture scores which are able to distinguish between different severities of an abnormal head position. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of lines. Preferably, one or more of the lines are labelled by one of said numbers. Preferably, two or more of the lines are each labelled by one of said numbers. Preferably, the lines are about 8mm apart. Preferably, each line corresponds to a different distance from the first indicator zone, wherein the difference in distance from the first indicator zone between adjacent lines is about 8mm. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of up to about 1.6cm. Preferably, the first region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of between about Ocm and about 1.6cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of at least about 1.6cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of between about 1.6cm and about 5.6cm. Preferably, the second region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance from the first indicator zone of between about 1.6cm and about 3.2cm. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of at least about 3.2cm. Preferably, the third region of the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between about 3.2cm and about 5.6cm. Preferably, the third indicator zone comprises a letter corresponding to an extended neck position. Preferably, the letter is "E". This, in combination with the numbering, allows a score to be provided indicating a severity of an extended neck position. For example, a score of E3 would indicate a more advanced extended neck position than a score of El. Preferably, the letter and / or the one or more numbers provide a posture score. Preferably, the device provides a posture score corresponding to the position of the tragus in the third indicator zone. Preferably, the first indicator zone is coloured green. Preferably, two or more regions of the second or third indicator zone are combined to form a single region. Preferably, the device comprises a body, wherein the indicator zones are provided on the body. Preferably, the body comprises an elongate member. Preferably, the body comprises a substantially planar elongate member. Preferably, the body is substantially transparent. This is particularly advantageous because it allows a user to see the position of a subject's tragus through the device. Preferably, the body comprises a transparent plastics material. For example, in some examples, the body comprises a transparent sheet of acrylic. Preferably, the device comprises a base for positioning against a wall. Preferably, the base is for positioning the body at 90 degrees to a wall. Preferably, the body and the base are integrally formed. For example, in some examples, the base is formed by a 90 degree bend towards one end of the body. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing to provide a head position measurement, wherein the method comprises the use of a device as described herein. Preferably, the subject is standing with their bottom and rib cage against the wall. Preferably, the subject is standing with their bottom and rib cage against the wall with the subject in a normal standing position. Preferably, the method com prises:- (i) positioning the subject in a standing position against a wall, (ii) positioning a device as described herein against the wall adjacent to one side of the head of the subject; and (iii) measuring the position of the subject's tragus using the device. Preferably, the method comprises: (iv) recording within which indicator zone of the device the tragus is positioned to provide a head position measurement. Preferably, step (iv) comprises recording within which region of the indicator zone the tragus is positioned to provide a head position measurement. Preferably, step (iv) comprises recording a posture score to provide a head position measurement. Preferably, the method comprises: (v) correlating the head position measurement with either a normal head position or an abnormal head position. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying whether a subject has a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises measuring the position of a tragus of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing to provide a head position measurement and correlating the head position measurement with either a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises the use of a device as described herein. Preferably, the method is for identifying whether a subject has normal posture or abnormal posture. Preferably, the method comprises: - (i) positioning the subject against a wall; (ii) positioning a device as described herein against the wall adjacent to one side of the head of the subject; (iii) recording within which indicator zone of the device the tragus is positioned to provide a head position measurement, and (iv) correlating the head position measurement with either a normal head position or an abnormal head position. Preferably, step (iii) comprises recording within which region of the indicator zone the tragus is positioned to provide a head position measurement. Preferably, the methods described herein comprise recording a posture score to provide a head position measurement. Preferably, step (iii) comprises recording a posture score to provide a head position measurement. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a posture score, wherein the method comprises: - (i) positioning the subject against a wall; (ii) positioning a device as described herein against the wall adjacent to one side of the head of the subject; and (iii) recording within which region of the indicator zone of the device the tragus is positioned to provide a posture score. Preferably, the method further comprises (iv) correlating the posture score to normal or abnormal posture. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying whether a subject has a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises correlating a head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein to a normal head position or an abnormal head position. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring head position in a subject, wherein the method comprises comparing a first head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein, with a second head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein to provide an indication of whether head position has improved or worsened between the first and second head position measurements or posture scores. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for diagnosing a condition associated with abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises: (a) using a device or method as described herein to measure the position of the head of a subject to provide a head position measurement and / or to provide a posture score, and (b) combining the head position measurement and / or posture score with additional information about the subject to diagnose the condition. Preferably, wherein step (a) has been previously performed to provide a head position measurement and / or to provide a posture score. As such, in one aspect, there is provided a method for diagnosing a condition associated with abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises combining a head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein, with additional information about the subject to diagnose the condition. Preferably, the method comprises comparing the difference between a first head position measurement or posture score obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein with a second head position measurementor posture score obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein, wherein the first head position measurement or posture score was obtained with the subject in a normal standing position and the second head position measurement or posture score was obtained with the subject in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far forward or as far rearward as they were able to, preferably as far forward or as far rearward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, if the first head position measurement or posture score corresponded to a forward head position, the second head position measurement or posture score was obtained with the subject in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far rearward as they were able to, preferably as far rearward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, if the first head position measurement or posture score corresponded to an extended neck position, the second head position measurement or posture score was obtained with the subject in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far forward as they were able to, preferably as far forward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, the device comprises second and third numbered indicator zones and the difference between the first posture score and the second posture score is the sum of the number of a posture score from the second indicator zone and the number of a posture score from the third indicator zone. Preferably, the device comprises second and third lined indicator zones and the difference between the first head position measurement or posture score and the second head position measurement or posture score is the number of lines between the first head position measurement or posture score and the second head position measurement or posture score. Preferably, the difference between the first head position measurement and the second head position measurement is the distance between the first head position measurement and the second head position measurement, preferably in cm. In one example, if the subject is measured and found to be in a forward head position, this measurement is noted. The subject is then asked to retract the chin backwards towards the wall to obtain a second measurement. The difference between the two measurements gives a third measurement of flexibility between the first two measurements. A low score here indicates less flexibility for postural change and may point to a diagnosis of underlying disease processes. Similarly, if the subject is first measured and found to be in an extended neck position, the subject is then invited to poke the chin forwards away from the wall to measure the available flexibility. Preferably, the condition is selected from long term abnormal head position, injury, muscle weakness in the upper back, Parkinson's Disease, ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spondylosis, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and chronic thoracic fixed flexion deformity. Preferably, the additional information includes the results of a medical questionnaire of the subject. Preferably, the additional information includes the medical history of the subject. Preferably, the additional information includes the results of a physical examination of the subject. Preferably, the results of a physical examination of the subject include the difference between a first head position measurement and a second head position measurement, wherein the first head position measurement corresponded to the distance of the tragus of the subject from the wall when the subject was in a normal standing position and the second head position measurement corresponded to the distance of the tragus of the subject from the wall when the subject was in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far forward or as far rearward as they were able to, preferably as far forward or as far rearward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, if the first head position measurement corresponded to a forward head position, the second head position measurement was obtained with the subject in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far rearward as they were able to, preferably as far rearward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, if the first head position measurement corresponded to an extended neck position, the second head position measurement was obtained with the subject in an abnormal standing position in which the subject positioned their head as far forward as they were able to, preferably as far forward as they were comfortably able to. Preferably, the difference between the first head position measurement and the second head position measurement is the distance between the first head position measurement and the second head position measurement, preferably in cm. Preferably, the additional information includes the results of one or more diagnostic tests. Preferably, the additional information includes the results of one or more diagnostic scans and / or one or more blood tests. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating a condition associated with abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises: (a) using a device or method as described herein to measure the position of the tragus of a subject to provide a head position measurement and / or to provide a posture score, and (b) combining the head position measurement and / or posture score with additional information about the subject to diagnose the condition, and (c) treating the condition. Preferably, following step (c), the method comprises: (d) using a device or method as described herein to measure the position of the tragus of a subject and / or to provide a posture score to confirm whether treatment has been successful. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating a condition associated with abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises: (a) combining a head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device as described herein and / or a method as described herein, with additional information about the subject to diagnose the condition, and (b) treating the condition. Preferably, following step (b), the method comprises: (c) using a device or method as described herein to measure the position of the tragus of a subject and / or to provide a posture score to confirm whether treatment has been successful. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa. As will be appreciated, reference herein to the distance of the indicator zones and / or regions from the wall abutment surface of the device is in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the wall abutment surface. Preferably, "substantially planar" means "planar". Preferably, "substantially transparent" means "transparent". It will be appreciated that reference to "one or more" includes reference to "a plurality". Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%. It will also be appreciated that the disclosure extends to passages herein which refer to the term "about" but with said term removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which Figures 1A and IB show a first example of a device as described herein comprising first, second and third indicator zones; Figure 2 shows a subject standing against a wall with the device shown in Figures 1A and IB positioned adjacent the subject's head; Figure 3A shows a subject with a normal head position; Figure 3B shows a subject with a forward head position; Figure 3C shows a subject with an extended neck position; Figure 4 shows an example of a device shown in Figures 1A and IB in which the regions of the second and third indicator zones are labelled; Figure 5 shows an example of a device as described herein comprising only first and second indicator zones; Figure 6 shows an example of the device shown in Figure 5 in which the regions of the second indicator zone are labelled; Figure 7 shows an example of a device as described herein in which an integral base is provided; Figure 8 shows an example of a device as described herein comprising first, second and third indicator zones in which the second and third indicator zones each comprise two regions; and Figure 9 shows an example of a device as described herein comprising first and second indicator zones in which the second indicator zone comprises two regions. The present invention relates to a device for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing. In particular, the device is more measuring the position of a tragus of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing. With reference to Figures 1A and IB, a device 1 according to a first example of the present invention includes a first indicator zone 21 which corresponds to a normal head position, a second indicator zone 22 which corresponds to a forward head position, and a third indicator zone 23, which corresponds to an extended neck position. In use, and as shown in Figure 2, a subject 2 is asked to stand against a wall 3 with their bottom 4 and rib cage 5 in contact with the wall. The subject 2 should be in a comfortable standing position. The device 1 is then positioned against the wall adjacent to the subject's ear 6 and the position of the tragus 7 on the device is recorded to provide a head position measurement. This is shown in greater detail in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. With reference to Figure 3A, the tragus 7 is positioned within the first indicator zone 21. This zone corresponds to a normal head position, at which the head is in its neutral position over the spine of the subject, and so it is possible for the person using the device to correlate this measurement to a normal head position and, as such, a normal posture for the subject. With reference to Figure 3B, the tragus 7 is positioned within the second indicator zone 22. This zone corresponds to a forward head position, at which the tragus is further away from the wall than for a normal head position, and so it is possible for the person using the device to correlate this measurement to a forward head position and, as such, a forward head posture, or abnormal posture, for the subject. With reference to Figure 3C, the tragus 7 is positioned within the third indicator zone 23. This zone corresponds to an extended neck position, at which the tragus is closer to the wall than for a normal head position, and so it is possible for the person using the device to correlate this measurement to an extended neck position and, as such, an extended neck posture, or abnormal posture, for the subject. In the example shown, the first indicator zone 21 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 12cm and 15cm, the second indicator zone 22 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 15cm and 23cm, and the third indicator zone 23 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 6.4cm and 12cm. Put another way, the first indicator zone 21 is between 12cm and 15cm from a wall abutment surface 8 of the device, the second indicator zone 22 is between 15cm and 23cm from the wall abutment surface 8, and the third indicator zone 23 is between 6.4cm and 12cm from the wall abutment surface 8. As shown in Figure 1A, the second indicator zone 22 is graded from 1 to 9 to indicate the severity of forward head position. The higher the number, the further away from the first indicator zone 21 and the more advanced the forward head position. The second indicator zone 22 includes a plurality of lines 44 which are labelled by the numbers. The distance between each line is 8mm. In the example shown, the second indicator zone 22 includes three regions 31, 32, 33 corresponding to different severities of forward head position. The first region 31 corresponds to a mild forward head position, the second region 32 corresponds to a moderate forward head position and the third region 33 corresponds to a severe forward head position. Whilst not a feature of the example shown in Figures 1A and IB, in the example shown in Figure 4, the regions 31, 32, 33 of the device 101 are labelled as Mild, Moderate and Severe, to indicate the severity of a forward head position. The first region 31 of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 15cm and 17.4cm, the second region 32 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 17.4cm and 20.6cm, and the third region 33 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 20.6cm and 23cm. Put another way, the first region 31 of the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 12cm and 17.4cm, the second region 32 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 17.4cm and 20.6cm, and the third region 33 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 20.6cm and 23cm. The first region 31 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 0cm and 2.4cm, the second region 32 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 2.4cm and 5.6cm, and the third region 33 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 5.6cm and 8cm. Whilst not specifically shown in the Figures, the first region 31 is coloured amber and the second and third regions 32 33, are coloured red. As shown in Figure 1A, the second indicator zone is labelled "F". This, in combination with the numbering, allows a score to be provided indicating a severity of forward head position and, therefore, forward head posture and / or abnormal posture. For example, a score of F2 would indicate a tragus position which is 1.6cm forward from the edge of the first, normal, indicator zone. For the position shown in Figure 3B, a score of F5 would be given. As shown in Figure 1A, the third indicator zone 23 is graded from 1 to 6 to indicate the severity of extended neck position. The higher the number, the further away from the first indicator zone 21 and the more severe the extended neck position. The third indicator zone 23 includes a plurality of lines 45 which are labelled by the numbers. The distance between each line is 8mm. As with the second indicator zone 22, the third indicator zone 23 also includes three regions 41, 42, 43, this time corresponding to different severities of an extended neck position. The first region 41 corresponds to a mild extended neck position, the second region 42 corresponds to a moderate extended neck position and the third region 43 corresponds to a severe extended neck position. Whilst not a feature of the example shown in Figures 1A and IB, in the example shown in Figure 4, the regions 41, 42, 43 of the device 101 are labelled as Mild, Mod and Severe, to indicate the severity of an extended neck position. The first region 41 of the third indicator zone 23 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 10.4cm and 12cm, the second region 42 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 8.8cm and 10.4cm, and the third region 43 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between 6.4cm and 8.8cm. Put another way, the first region 41 of the third indicator zone 23 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 10.4cm and 12cm, the second region 42 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 8.8cm and 10.4cm, and the third region 43 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall abutment surface 8 of between 6.4cm and 8.8cm. The first region 41 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 0cm and 1.6cm, the second region 42 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 1.6cm and 3.2cm, and the third region 43 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the first indicator zone of between 3.2cm and 5.6cm. Whilst not specifically shown in the Figures, the first region 41 is coloured amber and the second and third regions 42, 43, are coloured red. As shown in Figure 1A, the third indicator zone 23 is labelled "E". This, in combination with the numbering, allows a score to be provided indicating a severity of an extended neck position and, therefore, an extended neck posture and / or abnormal posture. For example, a score of E2 would indicate a tragus position which is 1.6 cm rearward from the edge of the first, normal, indicator zone. For the position shown in Figure 3C, a score of E2 would be given. Whilst not specifically shown in the Figures, the first indicator zone 21 is coloured green. As also shown in Figures 1A and IB, the device 1 comprises a body 9 on which the indicator zones 21, 22, 23 are provided. In the example shown, the body is an elongate transparent rectangular sheet of acrylic. The device 1 also includes a base 10 for abutment with the wall 8. In the examples shown in Figures 1A, IB, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9, the body 9 and the base 10 are separately formed with the body 9 received within a recess (not shown) of the base 10. An alternative example is shown in Figure 7 in which the body 9 and the base 10 of the device 401 are integrally formed with the base 10 formed by a 90 degree bend 11 towards one end of the body 9. Another example of the device 201 is shown in Figure 5. The device 201 shown in Figure 5 is identical to that shown in Figures 1A and IB except that it does not include a third indicator zone 23. Instead, this example is for indicating whether a subject has a forward head position or a non-forward, and so normal head position. When using this version of the device 201, any position which is not a forward head position is considered to be a normal head position, including a position that would correspond to an extended neck position when using the device 1 shown in Figures 1A and IB. With reference to Figure 5, the device 201 includes a first indicator zone 21 which corresponds to a normal (not forward) head position, and a second indicator zone 22 which corresponds to a forward head position. The position, layout and numbering of the second indicator zone 22 is identical to that in the example shown in Figures 1A and IB, however, the first indicator zone 21 corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall, and so also the wall abutment surface 8, of between 6.4cm and 15cm. As will be evident from Figure 5, as with the example shown in Figures 1A and IB, the second indicator zone 22 also includes first 31, second 32 and third 33 regions. Figure 6 shows a version of the device of Figure 5 in which the regions 31, 32 and 33 of the second indicator zone 22 of the device 301 are labelled. Further examples of the device are shown in Figures 8 and 9. In Figure 8 a device 501 is shown with first 21, second 22 and third 23 indicator zones in which the second and third regions of each of the second and third indicator zones have been combined. As such, the second indicator zone 22 includes a first region 31 corresponding to a mild forward head position and a second region 32 corresponding to a moderate or severe forward head position. Similarly, the third indicator zone 23 includes a first region 41 corresponding to a mild extended neck position and a second region 42 corresponding to a moderate or severe extended neck position. In Figure 9 a device 601 is shown with only first 21 and second 22 indicator zones in which the second and third regions of each of the second indicator zone have been combined. As such, the second indicator zone 22 includes a first region 31 corresponding to a mild forward head position and a second region 32 corresponding to a moderate or severe forward head position. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing, wherein the device is for positioning in contact with the wall and comprises at least two indicator zones for indicating whether the position of the tragus of the subject relative to the wall corresponds to a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein a first indicator zone corresponds to a normal head position and a second indicator zone corresponds to an abnormal head position.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second indicator zone corresponds to a forward head position.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a third indicator zone which corresponds to an abnormal head position.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the third indicator zone corresponds to an extended neck position.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall of between about 12cm and about 15cm.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall which is greater than that of the first indicator zone.

7. A device according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the third indicator zone corresponds to a distance of the tragus from the wall which is less than that of the first indicator zone.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is for providing a posture score.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second indicator zone is graded to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably a forward head position.

10. A device according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the third indicator zone is graded to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably an extended neck position.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein(i) the second indicator zone comprises at least two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position, and / or(ii) when the device comprises a third indicator zone, the third indicator zone comprises at least two regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein(i) the second indicator zone comprises at least three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position, and / or(ii) when the device comprises a third indicator zone, the third indicator zone comprises at least three regions corresponding to different severities of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein(i) the second indicator zone is numbered to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably of a forward head position, and / or(ii) when the device comprises a third indicator zone, the third indicator zone is numbered to indicate the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably of an extended neck position.

14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein(i) the second indicator zone is numbered to indicate a distance from the first indicator zone, and / or(ii) when the device comprises a third indicator zone, the third indicator is numbered to indicate a distance from the first indicator zone.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein a higher number indicates a greater distance from the first indicator zone.

16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the difference between each number is about 8mm.

17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein(i) the second indicator zone comprises a letter corresponding to a forward head position, and / or(ii) when the device comprises a third indicator zone, the third indicator zone comprises a letter corresponding to an extended neck position.

18. A device according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the letters and / or the numbers provide a posture score.

19. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first indicator zone is coloured green.

20. A device according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the regions are coloured to provide an indication of the severity of an abnormal head position, preferably wherein the colours are selected from amber and / or red.

21. A method for measuring the position of a head of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing to provide a head position measurement, wherein the method comprises the use of a device according to any preceding claim.

22. A method for identifying whether a subject has a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises measuring the position of a tragus of a subject relative to a wall against which the subject is standing to provide a head position measurement and correlating the head position measurement with either a normal head position or an abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises the use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 20.

23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the method comprises recording a posture score to provide a head position measurement.

24. A method for monitoring head position in a subject, wherein the method comprises comparing a first head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device according to any of claims 1 to 20 and / or a method according to any of claims 21 to 23, with a second head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device according to any of claims 1 to 20 and / or a method according to any of claims 21 to 23 to provide an indication of whether head position has improved or worsened between the first and second head position measurements or posture scores.

25. A method for diagnosing a condition associated with abnormal head position, wherein the method comprises combining a head position measurement or posture score previously obtained using a device according to any of claims 1 to 20 and / or a method according to any of claims 21 to 23, with additional information about the subject to diagnose the condition.

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