Physical therapy researchers at Dalhousie University are using an updated version of the pogo stick with middle school-age students. Already popular in the U.S. researcher Nichelle Hubley is testing a pogo stick workout among 11 10 to 13-year-olds. The kids take part in the six-week study assisted by Flybar, a Calif.-based pogo stick maker.
"With obesity rising among youth and children, we need ways of exercise that seem like fun but burn a lot of calories in a short period of time," Hubley, a kinesiology student, said in a statement. She said student participating in the study enjoy a pogostick version of dodgeball.
In California gyms, pogo has become the latest workout fad. An instructor told ABC Good Morning America the activity is an all-body experience. Hubley said a pogostick session exercises the heart, legs and improves balance.
