We compared physiological and psychological responses between low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT) sessions with different work-recovery durations. Ten adult males performed two LV-HIIT sessions in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Specifically, 60/60 s LV-HIIT and 30/30 s LV-HIIT. Oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide output (VCO₂), ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion (RPE), and affect were assessed. During intervals, the VO₂ (3.25 ± 0.57 vs. 2.83 ± 0.50 L/min), VCO₂ (3.15 ± 0.61 vs. 2.93 ± 0.58 L/min), VE (108.59 ± 27.39 vs. 94.28 ± 24.98 L/min), and RPE (15.9 ± 1.5 vs. 13.9 ± 1.5) were higher (ps ≤ 0.01), while RER (0.98 ± 0.05 vs. 1.03 ± 0.03) and affect (-0.8 ± 1.4 vs. 1.1 ± 2.0) were lower (ps ≤ 0.007) in the 60/60 s LV-HIIT. During recovery periods, VO₂ (1.85 ± 0.27 vs. 2.38 ± 0.46 L/min), VCO₂ (2.15 ± 0.35 vs. 2.44 ± 0.45 L/min), and affect (0.6 ± 1.7 vs. 1.7 ± 1.8) were lower (ps ≤ 0.02), while RER (1.20 ± 0.05 vs. 1.03 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) was higher in the 60/60 s LV-HIIT. Shorter LV-HIIT (30 s) elicits lower physiological response and attenuated negative affect than longer LV-HIIT (60 s).

• LV-HIIT protocol with shorter work-recovery duration elicited lower rise in the physiological responses.

• Intervals at a fixed intensity of 100% V_max interspaced passive recovery produces a mean intensity of ~70% of VO_2peak, but LV-HIIT with longer duration elicited greater amplitude (i.e. work-recovery differences) in the physiological responses (VO₂, VCO₂, VE, RER, and RPE).

• LV-HIIT protocol with shorter work-recovery duration elicited an attenuated negative affective response compared to longer.