Orienteering as a Tool for Cognitive Research: An Implementation Guide

Our research examines orienteering, a sport combining physical exercise with spatial navigation, highlighting its benefits for enhancing brain health. To support future research in this area, our manuscript and protocol provide a guide for implementing orienteering in a research setting. Our lab has demonstrated that expert-level orienteers report superior spatial processing abilities and spatial memory compared to non-orientieers, regardless of age.

Most recently, we've demonstrated that even novice participants show superior spatial memory after a single session of orienteering while running, compared to running only. Orienteering is gaining attention in recent literature. However, unfamiliarity with the sport limited research-based resources and lack of standardized protocols hinders its clinical utility and may deter researchers from implementing studies in this area.

This protocol is the first to offer a clear and accessible guide to implementing orienteering in a research setting, setting a standard for orienteering-based interventions. To begin, open an internet browser and visit www.oomap.co.uk. Then click on version four to access the latest version.

Scroll to the selected map area and click on the location where you want the center of the map to be. In the scale panel, choose the appropriate scale for the map. In the top panel, click the PseudO"button, followed by the LIDAR five meter"button to add elevation.

Now click the add map features"button to include elements to the map, such as benches or plaques. Toggle the put controls in a temporary layer for selection"button for each element. In the right-hand panel, click the pencil icon button beside the word open orienteering map"and change the title of the map.

Click the save and get PDF map"button at the top right of the screen to generate a PDF of the map. To open the created map, copy map ID from the map PDF file and enter the unique code found on the map into the map ID box at the top right of the www.oomap.co. uk website.

In the course type"panel, select the linear"button. Click the desired location of the start and finish on the map. Then from the control options"panel, select the corresponding start"or finish"button.

Now click on the specific map location of the first checkpoint and select the control button. In the control options panel, assign each checkpoint and number in sequential order and provide a description of the exact location of the checkpoint. Once the course is completed, click the clues"button in the top right panel to download and print a separate clue sheet of the checkpoints in the course.

Click the save and get PDF map"button in the top right of the screen to generate the PDF map with the course. For beginner level courses, from the start location, place checkpoints on the map in sequential order to form the orienteering course. Place each subsequent checkpoint at trail or road junctions, crossings, or bends.

Position each subsequent checkpoint such that only one navigational decision needs to be made between checkpoints. For intermediate level courses, from the start location, place checkpoints on the map in sequential order to form the orienteering course. Place each subsequent checkpoint at distinguishable landscape features such as hilltops or large boulders near, but not directly on, major trails or roads.

Next position each subsequent checkpoints such that navigating between checkpoints involves multiple, simple navigational decisions using trails and other apparent guiding features. For advanced level courses, place checkpoints on the map in sequential order from the start location. position each subsequent checkpoint away from major trails or paths at a distinguishable terrain feature, such as a hilltop or valley, to limit the usage of trails and to increase navigational difficulty.

To begin, print the orienteering map with the course and other necessary materials in color. Place the printed material into a clear, reusable plastic sleeve for weather protection. Label each marker with the corresponding checkpoint number.

Prior to intervention, place each checkpoint marker at its corresponding location in the environment, ensuring it is visible. Before participants begin an orienteering course for the first time, teach important orienteering skills and concepts. Using the symbol legend, review symbols and indicate examples of such elements in the terrain.

Instruct the participant to use the world around them to orient their map. Have the participant place their finger on their current location on the map, then drag their finger forward on the map. Ask the participant to describe what they touch on the map.

Now instruct the participant to look forward at the terrain, noting that they should see the same thing on the map. If it does not match, instruct the participant to rotate their map to align the elements and orient the map. With the map oriented correctly, instruct the participant to examine the center of the control circle and, using orienteering symbols, ask the participant to describe what feature they're expecting to see at the control location.

Now ask the following guiding questions to the participant. If a participant gets lost, instruct them to ensure their map is correctly oriented. Then turn to the last place they were certain of their location.

Finally, reorient the map and attempt to find the correct path again. At the start location, give the participant the map. Ensure the GPS Sports Watch application is ready.

Then start recording when the participant is ready. Allow the participant to complete the course on their own. Once the participant reaches the finish of the course, stop the session recording.