Adolescents can benefit from resistance training programmes, a new study has revealed.

David Lubans and Robin Callister from the University of New Castle, Australia, evaluated the impact of a programme involving free weights and an elastic tubing resistance training tool known as a Gymstick.

The two-month study of more than 100 students aged nine and 10 in Newcastle is the first to measure the effects of elastic tubing resistance training in adolescents.

'Our findings have important implications for the promotion of muscular fitness in this age group,' Lubans said.

Increasing physical activity levels in children and adolescents has emerged as a global health priority.

In Australia, approximately 25 percent of youth are overweight or obese and approximately 30 percent do not meet the national physical activity recommendations.

Historically, resistance training has not been recommended for children and adolescents due to the perceived threat of injury and the belief it could stunt linear growth.

The results from this study actually show the feasibility and benefits of resistance training for adolescents, the researchers say.

The students used either free weights or the elastic tubing resistance training tool twice a week for eight weeks and improved their body composition and muscular strength.

Boys improved both upper and lower body strength, while girls achieved significantly larger improvements in lower body strength.

The research was published in the journal Preventive Medicine.