Recovery of Heart Rate Variability in Handball Players

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of manual massage (MM) and foam rolling (FR) on heart rate variability (HRV) following a 20 m shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in elite male handball players. It was hypothesized that MM and FR would produce differential acute effects on HRV responses during

Inclusion Criteria: * Male handball players competing in the Turkish Handball Super League * At least 5 years of regular handball training experience * Participation in at least 10 official matches during the previous 12 months * Minimum 1 year of playing experience in the Turkish Handball Super League * No injury resulting in an interruption of training or competition for more than 2 weeks during the previous 6 months * No use of stimulants, ergogenic aids, or prohibited performance-enhancing substances Exclusion Criteria: * Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training or match participation * History of surgery to the lower or upper extremities within the previous 12 months * Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders * Use of medications that may affect physical performance or neuromuscular function * Inability to complete the study procedures or testing protocol * Withdrawal of informed consent