646 Effect of HIIT on Motor Performance in Female Handball Players

Abstract

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 study. The experimental group trained 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. Anaerobic capacity, speed and agility values of the experimental and control groups were measured twice before and after the 8-week training program. The HIIT training program applied to the experimental group was prepared for the most commonly used movements in handball. The values of the data obtained from the handball players were analyzed. ANOVA for mixed measures was applied to find 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-test and post-test values of the 20 m sprint test of the experimental and control groups of HIIT training applied to handball players, while there was no statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values of the anaerobic capacity and agility test of HIIT training. In conclusion, it is recommended that HIIT training should be included in the training periodization of handball players during the season, and it is thought that it will positively effect the speed performance of the players.

Keywords: High intensity interval training, speed, agility, handball