Effect of HIIT on Motor Performance in Female Handball Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of interval training at four different intensities in addition to handball training for 8 weeks on aerobic-anaerobic, speed and agility parameters in female handball players. Twenty female handball players (experimental group: 10; control group: 10) voluntarily participated in the studyThe experimental group trained in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 3 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to handball training, while the control group was allowed to continue their standard training program. The anaerobic capacity, speed, and agility of the experimental and control groups were measured twice before and after an 8-week training program. The HIIT training program for the experimental group was adapted to the movements most commonly used in handball. The values of the data obtained from the handball players were analyzed. ANOVA for mixed measures was applied to determine the difference between the pre-test and post-test values of the experimental and control groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the pre and post-test values of the 20-m sprint test of the experimental and control groups of HIIT training for handball players, while there was no statistically significant difference between the pre and post-test values of the anaerobic capacity and agility test of HIIT training. In conclusion, it is recommended to include HIIT training in the training periodization of handball players during the season, and it is believed that it will have a positive effect on players' speed performance.