Physiological and psychological assessment of high-intensity interval training, full-sided and small-sided games in elite handball players

The purpose of the present research was to compare the acute physiological and psychological responses to three different high-intensity training methodologies commonly used in elite handball. Fourteen elite male handball players completed three randomised training protocols during the competitive season: high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT; 15-s work and 15-s rest intervals), 3 vs 3 small-sided games (SSG3), and 6 vs 6 full-sided games (FSG6). All protocols consisted of 4 × 6-min bouts with 3-min passive recovery. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored throughout sessions. Subjective measures included the Multi-component Training Distress Scale (MTDS), CR10 RPE scale, and NASA-TLX questionnaires. Significant main effects of training type were found for mean HR (p < 0.001) and peak HR (p < 0.001). FSG6 elicited significantly lower physiological demands than both HIIT and SSG3. Conversely, FSG6 generated the highest mental demand and lowest perceived exertion. HIIT produced the highest physical perception despite similar physiological loads to SSG3. MTDS revealed greater fatigue and stress responses following HIIT compared to game-based protocols. In conclusion, training modality significantly impacts both physiological and perceptual responses. While HIIT and SSG3 produce similar cardiovascular strain, SSG3 is perceived as less demanding. FSG6 provides the highest cognitive challenge with the lowest physical perception.