Effect of different types of cricket batting pads on the running and turning speed in cricket batting

The aim of this study was to compare a batsman's running and turning speed during three runs while wearing either traditional batting pads or one of two models of newly designed cricket batting pads. Fifteen cricketers participated. The running and turning speeds were measured on three different days with players using the three pairs of batting pads for each trial in random order. The weights of the pads were 1.85 kg, 1.70 kg and 1.30 kg for P1, P2 and P3 respectively. Each player had to run three runs (3 x 17.68m), with the times recorded at the completion of each run, as well as the time to cover the distance from 5 m before and after the turn at the end of the first run. The fastest time from two trials for each pair of pads was retained for analysis. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to determine the differences between the mean times of the three trials. The results showed no significant differences between the types of batting pads and the time to complete the run-three-runs test (P1 = 10.67 +/- 0.48 s; P2 = 10.67 +/- 0.43; P3 = 10.69 +/- 0.44 s), the turning time (P1 = 2.34 +/- 0.18 s; P2 = 2.32 +/- 0.18 s; P3 = 2.35 +/- 0.19 s) and to complete the third run (P1 = 3.49 +/- 0.44 s; P2 = 3.53 +/- 0.34 s; P3 = 3.51 +/- 0.36 s). Of the 45 trials of three runs used for analysis, P1 recorded the fastest time on 16 trials (36%), P2 on 19 trials (42%) and P3 on 10 trials (22%). The results showed no significant differences in the running or turning speeds, although there may be some practical relevance to using the newly designed cricket batting pads.     

The effect of three surface conditions,speed and running experience on vertical acceleration of the tibia during running*

Research has focused on parameters that are associated with injury risk, e.g. vertical acceleration. These parameters can be influenced by running on different surfaces or at different running speeds, but the relationship between them is not completely clear. Understanding the relationship may result in training guidelines to reduce the injury risk. In this study, thirty-five participants with three different levels of running experience were recruited. Participants ran on three different surfaces (concrete, synthetic running track, and woodchip trail) at two different running speeds: a self-selected comfortable speed and a fixed speed of 3.06 m/s. Vertical acceleration of the lower leg was measured with an accelerometer. The vertical acceleration was significantly lower during running on the woodchip trail in comparison with the synthetic running track and the concrete, and significantly lower during running at lower speed in comparison with during running at higher speed on all surfaces. No significant differences in vertical acceleration were found between the three groups of runners at fixed speed. Higher self-selected speed due to higher performance level also did not result in higher vertical acceleration. These results may show that running on a woodchip trail and slowing down could reduce the injury risk at the tibia.     

中长跑运动员的速度训练

速度素质对提高中长跑运动水平已越来越重要.通过对中长跑运动员速度训练具体途径与方法的分析和探讨,提出训练中应注意的问题,为提高我国中长跑运动成绩提供借鉴.     

跳远最佳腾起角与助跑速度利用率关系的研究

深入探讨远运动最佳腾起角的运动生物力学公式,分析了身体垂直速度、水平助跑速度利用率与最佳腾起角和跳远成绩的关系。以理论和大量技术数据为依据,指出起跳时身体垂直速度利用率对跳远成绩起着至关重要的作用。     

对跨栏跑的速度和速度训练的研究

要提高跨栏专项成绩，就必须解决好栏上的过栏速度和栏间平跑速度。其中过栏速度靠提高起跨腿蹬地速度、摆动腿动作速度、起跨腿提拉速度和下栏转为栏间跑速度，栏间乎跑速度靠提高栏间步频为主。指出平跑速度、过栏速度的重要性，并对二者提出了科学的训练方案。     

Effect of different loading conditions on running mechanics at different velocities

Weighted vests are widely used to improve running economy and performance. However, it is not well-studied how running mechanics are adapted to counteract the higher peak vertical ground reaction forces (Fpeak) while running with such a device. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different loading conditions on running mechanics at different velocities. Thirteen subjects participated in two separate sessions one week apart. In the first session, maximal aerobic speed (MAS) was determined through a maximal incremental running test while in the second session, they were instructed to run during one minute under different loading (0%, +10% and +20% of body mass [BM]) and velocity (60%, 80% and 100% of MAS) conditions in a random order. Spatiotemporal data were recorded and then running mechanics modelled using the spring-mass model. The main results indicated that vertical and leg stiffness (Kvert and Kleg, respectively) were increased (P?P?>?.05) when load was changed. At the same time, alterations of the running kinematics were observed such as longer contact times, reduced flight times, stride frequencies and step lengths, as well as an increase of the centre of mass dynamics. Based on these results it is assumed that runners maintain a certain stiffness level for each velocity despite different loading conditions. As a consequence, Fpeak increases and this probably causes spatiotemporal adjustments in the movement kinematics.     

The science and medicine of cricket: an overview and update

Abstract

Research into the science and medicine underlying cricket performance and injury has progressed since the First World Congress of Science and Medicine in Cricket in 1999. This review covers material on the physiological and psychological demands of the game and preparation for it, the biomechanics and motor control of cricket skills, the psychology of team dynamics, performance analysis and cricket injuries. Technological aspects of cricket equipment are also covered, where such research could influence injury risk or player performance. Fielding remains the least studied of the skills. Much more research needs to be done before we can gain a full understanding of the scientific aspects of the game. There is a need to address common definitions of injury, along with more research into injury mechanisms. Research on batting needs to bring together motor control and biomechanics more fully. The fitness demands of the game are still poorly understood, along with the mechanisms causing fatigue. Evaluation of the efficacy of intervention strategies needs to continue and to develop. The applications of research need to be communicated more to coaches and players — for example, in team dynamics — so that they can be applied, and tested further, in international matches.     

In vivo lumbo-sacral forces and moments during constant speed running at different stride lengths

Abstract

The aim of this study was to introduce a Newton–Euler inverse dynamics model that included reaction force and moment estimation at the lumbo-sacral (L5-S1) and thoraco-lumbar (T12-L1) joints. Data were collected while participants ran over ground at 3.8 m · s^?1 at three different stride lengths: preferred stride length, 20% greater than preferred, and 20% less than preferred. Inputs to the model were ground reaction forces, bilateral lower extremity and pelvis kinematics and inertial parameters, kinematics of the lumbar spine and thorax and inertial parameters of the lumbar segment. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed on the lower extremity sagittal kinematics and kinetics, including L5-S1 and T12-L1 three-dimensional joint angles, reaction forces and moments at touchdown and peak values during impact phase across the three stride conditions. Results indicated that L5-S1 and T12-L1 vertical reaction forces at touchdown and during the impact portion of the support phase increased significantly as stride length increased (P < 0.001), as did peak sagittal L5-S1 moments during impact (P = 0.018). Additionally, the transverse T12-L1 joint moment increased as running speed increased (P = 0.006). We concluded from our findings that our model was sensitive to our perturbations in healthy runners, and may prove useful in future mechanistic studies of L5-S1 mechanics.     

The relationships between impact location and post-impact ball speed,bat torsion,and ball direction in cricket batting

Three-dimensional kinematic data of bat and ball were recorded for 239 individual shots performed by twenty batsmen ranging from club to international standard. The impact location of the ball on the bat face was determined and assessed against the resultant instantaneous post-impact ball speed and measures of post-impact bat torsion and ball direction. Significant negative linear relationships were found between post-impact ball speed and the absolute distance of impact from the midline medio-laterally and sweetspot longitudinally. Significant cubic relationships were found between the distance of impact from the midline of the bat medio-laterally and both a measure of bat torsion and the post-impact ball direction. A “sweet region” on the bat face was identified whereby impacts within 2 cm of the sweetspot in the medio-lateral direction, and 4.5 cm in the longitudinal direction, caused reductions in ball speed of less than 6% from the optimal value, and deviations in ball direction of less than 10° from the intended target. This study provides a greater understanding of the margin for error afforded to batsmen, allowing researchers to assess shot success in more detail, and highlights the importance of players generating consistently central impact locations when hitting for optimal performance.     

Kinematics and kinetics of the drive off the front foot in cricket batting

A cinematographic analysis of the drive off the front foot (D) and the forward defensive stroke (FD) was undertaken to establish the kinematic and kinetic factors involved in playing these strokes against medium-fast bowling. Fourteen provincial cricket batsmen were filmed at 100 Hz while batting on a turf pitch with a specially instrumented bat. Results for the drive off the front foot revealed that the movement and stroke pattern were generally supportive of the coaching literature, with the forward defensive stroke forming the basis of the drive. Certain mechanical differences, although non-significant, were evident to facilitate the attacking nature of the front foot drive and included a higher backlift (FD = 0.65 m; D = 0.74 m), later commencement of the stride (FD = 0.64 s pre-impact; D = 0.58 s pre-impact) and downswing of the bat (FD = 0.38 s pre-impact; D = 0.36 s pre-impact), a shorter front foot stride (FD = 0.72 m; D = 0.68 m) with the front foot placement taking place later (FD = 0.14 s pre-impact; D = 0.06 s pre-impact), and the back foot dragging further forward at impact (FD = 0.05 m; D = 0.10 m). The front upper limb moved as a multi-segmental series of levers, which resulted in the drive showing significantly greater (P < 0.05) peak bat horizontal velocity at 0.02 s preimpact (FD = 3.53 ± 3.44 m . s -1 ; D = 11.8 ± 4.61 m . s -1 ) and 0.02 s post-impact (FD = 2.73 ± 2.88 m . s -1 ; D = 11.3 ± 4.21 m . s -1 ). The drive showed a significantly greater (P < 0.05) bat-ball closing horizontal velocity (FD = 24.2 ± 4.65 m . s-1; D = 32.3 ± 5.06 m . s -1 ) and post-impact ball horizontal velocity (FD = 6.85 5.12 m . s -1 ; D = 19.5 ± 2.13 m . s -1 ) than for the forward defensive stroke. The point of bat-ball contact showed nonsignificant differences, but occurred further behind the front ankle (FD = 0.09 ± 0.17 m; D = 0.20 ± 0.13 m), with the bat more vertical at impact (FD = 62.6 ± 6.53 ; D = 77.8 ± 7.05). Significant differences (P < 0.01) occurred between the grip forces of the top and bottom hands for the two strokes, with the principal kinetic finding that the top hand plays the dominant role during the execution of the drive with the bottom hand reinforcing it at impact. Similar grip force patterns for the two strokes occurred during the initial part of the stroke, with the drive recording significantly greater (P < 0.05) forces at 0.02 s pre-impact (top hand: FD = 129 ± 41.6 N; D = 199 ± 40.9 N; bottom hand: FD = 52.2 ± 16.9 N; D = 91.8 ± 41.1 N), at impact (top hand: FD = 124 ± 29.3 N; D = 158 ± 56.2 N; bottom hand: FD = 67.1 ± 21.5 N; D = 86.2 ± 58.2 N) and 0.02 s postimpact (top hand: FD = 111 ± 22.2 N; D = 126 ± 28.5 N; bottom hand: FD = 65.5 ± 26.9 N; D = 82.4 ± 28.6 N).     

Kinematics and kinetics of the drive off the front foot in cricket batting

A cinematographic analysis of the drive off the front foot (D) and the forward defensive stroke (FD) was undertaken to establish the kinematic and kinetic factors involved in playing these strokes against medium-fast bowling. Fourteen provincial cricket batsmen were filmed at 100 Hz while batting on a turf pitch with a specially instrumented bat. Results for the drive off the front foot revealed that the movement and stroke pattern were generally supportive of the coaching literature, with the forward defensive stroke forming the basis of the drive. Certain mechanical differences, although non-significant, were evident to facilitate the attacking nature of the front foot drive and included a higher backlift (FD = 0.65 m; D = 0.74 m), later commencement of the stride (FD = 0.64 s pre-impact; D = 0.58 s pre-impact) and downswing of the bat (FD = 0.38 s pre-impact; D = 0.36 s pre-impact), a shorter front foot stride (FD = 0.72 m; D = 0.68 m) with the front foot placement taking place later (FD = 0.14 s pre-impact; D = 0.06 s pre-impact), and the back foot dragging further forward at impact (FD = 0.05 m; D = 0.10 m). The front upper limb moved as a multi-segmental series of levers, which resulted in the drive showing significantly greater (P< 0.05) peak bat horizontal velocity at 0.02 s pre-impact (FD = 3.53 +/- 3.44 m s(-1); D = 11.8 +/- 4.61 m x s(-1)) and 0.02 s post-impact (FD = 2.73 +/- 2.88 m x s(-1); D = 11.3 +/- 4.21 m x s(-1)). The drive showed a significantly greater (P < 0.05) bat-ball closing horizontal velocity (FD = 24.2 +/- 4.65 m x s(-1); D = 32.3 +/- 5.06 m x s(-1)) and post-impact ball horizontal velocity (FD = 6.85 +/- 5.12 m x s(-1); D = 19.5 +/- 2.13 m x s(-1)) than for the forward defensive stroke. The point of bat-ball contact showed nonsignificant differences, but occurred further behind the front ankle (FD = 0.09 +/- 0.17 m; D = 0.20 +/- 0.13 m), with the bat more vertical at impact (FD = 62.6 +/- 6.53 degrees ; D = 77.8 +/- 7.05 degrees). Significant differences (P< 0.01) occurred between the grip forces of the top and bottom hands for the two strokes, with the principal kinetic finding that the top hand plays the dominant role during the execution of the drive with the bottom hand reinforcing it at impact. Similar grip force patterns for the two strokes occurred during the initial part of the stroke, with the drive recording significantly greater (P < 0.05) forces at 0.02 s pre-impact (top hand: FD = 129 +/- 41.6 N; D = 199 +/- 40.9 N; bottom hand: FD = 52.2 +/- 16.9 N; D = 91.8 +/- 41.1 N), at impact (top hand: FD = 124 +/- 29.3 N; D = 158 +/- 56.2 N; bottom hand: FD = 67.1 +/- 21.5 N; D = 86.2 +/- 58.2 N) and 0.02 s post-impact (top hand: FD = 111 +/- 22.2 N; D = 126 +/- 28.5 N; bottom hand: FD = 65.5 +/- 26.9 N; D = 82.4 +/- 28.6 N).     

Functional differences in the activity of the hamstring muscles with increasing running speed

Abstract

In this study, we examined hamstring muscle activation at different running speeds to help better understand the functional characteristics of each hamstring muscle. Eight healthy male track and field athletes (20.1 ± 1.1 years) performed treadmill running at 50%, 75%, 85%, and 95% of their maximum velocity. Lower extremity kinematics of the hip and knee joint were calculated. The surface electromyographic activities of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were also recorded. Increasing the running speed from 85% to 95% significantly increased the activation of the hamstring muscles during the late swing phase, while lower extremity kinematics did not change significantly. During the middle swing phase, the activity of the semitendinosus muscle was significantly greater than that of the biceps femoris muscle at 75%, 85%, and 95% of running speed. Statistically significant differences in peak activation time were observed between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus during 95%max running (P < 0.05 for stance phase, P < 0.01 for late swing phase). Significant differences in the activation patterns between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were observed as running speed was increased, indicating that complex neuromuscular coordination patterns occurred during the running cycle at near maximum sprinting speeds.     

The influence of elbow joint kinematics on wrist speed in cricket fast bowling

This modelling study sought to describe the relationships between elbow joint kinematics and wrist joint linear velocity in cricket fast bowlers, and to assess the sensitivity of wrist velocity to systematic manipulations of empirical joint kinematic profiles. A 12-camera Vicon motion analysis system operating at 250 Hz recorded the bowling actions of 12 high performance fast bowlers. Empirical elbow joint kinematic data were entered into a cricket bowling specific “Forward Kinematic Model” and then subsequently underwent fixed angle, angular offset and angle amplification manipulations. A combination of 20° flexion and 20° abduction at the elbow was shown to maximise wrist velocity within the experimental limits. An increased elbow flexion offset manipulation elicited an increase in wrist velocity. Amplification of elbow joint flexion–extension angular displacement indicated that, contrary to previous research, elbow extension range of motion and angular velocity at the time of ball release were negatively related to wrist velocity. Some relationships between manipulated joint angular waveforms and wrist velocity were non-linear, supporting the use of a model that accounts for the non-linear relationships between execution and outcome variables in assessing the relationships between elbow joint kinematics and wrist joint velocity in cricket fast bowlers.     

Sprint running: how changes in step frequency affect running mechanics and leg spring behaviour at maximal speed

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in selected biomechanical variables in 80-m maximal sprint runs while imposing changes in step frequency (SF) and to investigate if these adaptations differ based on gender and training level. A total of 40 athletes (10 elite men and 10 women, 10 intermediate men and 10 women) participated in this study; they were requested to perform 5 trials at maximal running speed (RS): at the self-selected frequency (SF_s) and at SF ±15% and ±30%SF_s. Contact time (CT) and flight time (FT) as well as step length (SL) decreased with increasing SF, while k_vert increased with it. At SF_s, k_leg was the lowest (a 20% decrease at ±30%SF_s), while RS was the largest (a 12% decrease at ±30%SF_s). Only small changes (1.5%) in maximal vertical force (F_max) were observed as a function of SF, but maximum leg spring compression (ΔL) was largest at SF_s and decreased by about 25% at ±30%SF_s. Significant differences in F_max, Δy, k_leg and k_vert were observed as a function of skill and gender (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that RS is optimised at SF_s and that, while k_vert follows the changes in SF, k_leg is lowest at SF_s.     

The position of the head and centre of mass during the front foot off-drive in skilled and less-skilled cricket batsmen

The aim of this study was to compare selected kinematic variables of the front foot off-drive in skilled and less-skilled cricket batsmen. High-speed digital cameras were used to record the three-dimensional kinematics of 10 skilled and 10 less-skilled right-handed batsmen when playing a shadow front foot off-drive to realistic projected video footage. Skilled batsmen were more likely to identify the type of delivery bowled. Seventy percent of skilled batsmen had preparatory feet or foot movement before committing to play forward, while only 20% of the less-skilled batsmen utilized this trigger movement. Throughout the drive, the head of the skilled batsmen was further forward of the centre base point than that of the less-skilled batsmen. This forward head position was associated with the tendency for the skilled batsmen's centre of mass to be further forward during the predicted bat–ball contact. There were no significant differences between groups in the shoulder angle, bat angle or bat speed during the different phases of the stroke. There was a tendency for the less-skilled batsmen to have a larger hip angle at contact. This study provides further understanding of the factors associated with skilled performance in cricket batting, which coaches should consider when training less-skilled performers.     

中国优秀男子短跑运动员途中跑垂直缓冲时段运动学参数的灰色关联度分析

通过对男子短跑运动员100m途中跑垂直缓冲时段运动学参数的灰色关联度分析，得出以下结论：下肢的关节点的夹角及上臂摆幅与跑速高度相关，各环节角度变化将影响短跑运动员跑进时的前蹬阻力及后蹬腿的蹬地方向，进而影响后蹬腿对地做功的有效功率。由此可见，增加短跑运动员途中跑垂直缓冲时段髋关节、膝关节及上臂前摆幅将有助于提高短跑的跑速。     

Effect of speed on local dynamic stability of locomotion under different task constraints in running

Abstract

A number of studies have investigated effects of speed on local dynamic stability of walking, although this relationship has been rarely investigated under changing task constraints, such as during forward and backward running. To rectify this gap in the literature, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of running speed on local dynamic stability of forward and backward running on a treadmill. Fifteen healthy male participants took part in this study. Participants ran in forward and backward directions at speeds of 80%, 100% and 120% of their preferred running speed. The three-dimensional motion of a C7 marker was recorded using a motion capture system. Local dynamic stability of the marker was quantified using short- and long-term largest finite-time Lyapunov exponents (LyE). Results showed that short-term largest finite-time LyE values increased with participant speed meaning that local dynamic stability decreased with increasing speed. Long-term largest finite-time LyEs, however, remained unaffected as speed increased. Results of this study indicated that, as in walking, slow running is more stable than fast running. These findings improve understanding of how stability is regulated when constraints on the speed of movements is altered. Implications for the design of rehabilitation or sport practice programmes suggest how task constraints could be manipulated to facilitate adaptations in locomotion stability during athletic training.     

Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal anaerobic running test, maximal endurance performance, maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max), and running economy were assessed. Maximal strength improved in the heavy (P = 0.034, effect size ES = 0.38) and explosive resistance training groups (P = 0.003, ES = 0.67) with increases in leg muscle activation (heavy: P = 0.032, ES = 0.38; explosive: P = 0.002, ES = 0.77). Only the heavy resistance training group improved maximal running speed in the maximal anaerobic running test (P = 0.012, ES = 0.52) and jump height (P = 0.006, ES = 0.59). Maximal endurance running performance was improved in all groups (heavy: P = 0.005, ES = 0.56; explosive: P = 0.034, ES = 0.39; muscle endurance: P = 0.001, ES = 0.94), with small though not statistically significant improvements in [Vdot]O_2max (heavy: ES = 0.08; explosive: ES = 0.29; muscle endurance: ES = 0.65) and running economy (ES in all groups < 0.08). All three modes of strength training used concurrently with endurance training were effective in improving treadmill running endurance performance. However, both heavy and explosive strength training were beneficial in improving neuromuscular characteristics, and heavy resistance training in particular contributed to improvements in high-intensity running characteristics. Thus, endurance runners should include heavy resistance training in their training programmes to enhance endurance performance, such as improving sprinting ability at the end of a race.     

Acute effect of different minimalist shoes on foot strike pattern and kinematics in rearfoot strikers during running

Despite the growing interest in minimalist shoes, no studies have compared the efficacy of different types of minimalist shoe models in reproducing barefoot running patterns and in eliciting biomechanical changes that make them differ from standard cushioned running shoes. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different footwear models, marketed as “minimalist” by their manufacturer, on running biomechanics. Six running shoes marketed as barefoot/minimalist models, a standard cushioned shoe and the barefoot condition were tested. Foot–/shoe–ground pressure and three-dimensional lower limb kinematics were measured in experienced rearfoot strike runners while they were running at 3.33 m · s^?1 on an instrumented treadmill. Physical and mechanical characteristics of shoes (mass, heel and forefoot sole thickness, shock absorption and flexibility) were measured with laboratory tests. There were significant changes in foot strike pattern (described by the strike index and foot contact angle) and spatio-temporal stride characteristics, whereas only some among the other selected kinematic parameters (i.e. knee angles and hip vertical displacement) changed accordingly. Different types of minimalist footwear models induced different changes. It appears that minimalist footwear with lower heel heights and minimal shock absorption is more effective in replicating barefoot running.     

Effect of water ingestion on endurance capacity during prolonged running

This study examined the influence of water ingestion on endurance capacity during submaximal treadmill running. Four men and four women with a mean (± S.E.) age of 21.4 ± 0.7 years, height of 169 + 2 cm, body mass of 63.1 ± 2.9 kg and VO ₂ max of 51.1 ± 1.8 ml kg^?1 min^?1, performed two randomly assigned treadmill runs at 70% VO ₂ max to exhaustion. No fluid was ingested during one trial (NF‐trial), whereas a single water bolus of 3.0 ml kg^?1 body mass was ingested immediately pre‐exercise and serial feedings of 2.0 ml kg^?1 body mass were ingested every 15 min during exercise in a fluid replacement trial (FR‐trial). Run time for the NF‐trial was 77.7 ± 7.7 min, compared to 103 ± 12.4 min for the FR‐trial (P<0.01). Body mass (corrected for water ingestion) decreased by 2.0 ± 0.2% in the NF‐trial and 2.7 ± 0.2% in the FR‐trial (P<0.01), while plasma volume decreased by 1.1 ± 1.1% and 3.5 ± 1.1% in the two trials respectively (N.S.). However, these apparent differences in circulatory volume were not associated with differences in rectal temperature. Respiratory exchange ratios indicated increased carbohydrate metabolism (73% vs 64% of total energy expenditure) and suppressed fat metabolism after 75 min of exercise in the NF‐trial compared with the FR‐trial (NF‐trial, 0.90 ± 0.01; FR‐trial, 0.86 ± 0.03; P<0.01). Blood glucose concentrations were similar in both trials, while blood lactate concentrations were higher in the NF‐trial at the end of exercise (4.83 ± 0.34 vs 4.18 ± 0.38 mM; P<0.05). In summary, water ingestion during prolonged running improved endurance capacity.