Could a mid-twentieth century plaything be the cure for a modern epidemic of obesity among the young? Researchers are testing pogosticks as the newest exercise tool.

Physical therapy researchers at Dalhousie University are using an updated version of the pogostick 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.