Influence of diurnal variations on cognitive coordination and misunderstanding in elite male handball players

This study examined how the time of day influences cognitive coordination in elite male handball players. We investigated misunderstandings and contradictions during cognitive exchanges to identify optimal times for shared understanding and collective performance. Six elite male handball players (age 17.5 ± 0.2 years) from Tunisia's first division participated in simulated matches at three different time points: (10h00, 14h00, and 18h00). We analyzed cognitive coordination using audiovisual recordings and self-confrontation interviews, applying the Recognition-Primed Decision (RPD) model. Results revealed significantly higher frequencies of contradictory and misunderstanding coordination forms during morning sessions compared to afternoon and evening sessions across all cognitive components (actions, relevant cues, goals, expectations). These findings suggest that circadian factors influence team cognitive coordination, with the afternoon and evening periods being optimal for collective performance, which requires sophisticated coordination and a shared understanding.