Effects of domain-specific scenario-based simulation training on map memory in orienteering athletes: Evidence from...

This study aimed to investigate the effects of domain-specific scenario-based simulation training on map memory ability in orienteering athletes.

A 6-week intervention was conducted, in which participants receiving scenario-based simulation training (experimental group) were compared with those receiving conventional orienteering instruction (control group). Behavioral performance and cortical activation during the map memory task were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Both training protocols significantly improved map memory ability, with the experimental group showing significantly higher post-intervention map memory accuracy and completeness scores than the control group. fNIRS data revealed that scenario-based simulation training significantly enhanced hemodynamic activation in the frontopolar area (FPA) and orbitofrontal area (OFA); specifically, the experimental group exhibited significantly greater activation in these regions at post-test relative to pre-test. While the somatosensory association cortex (SAC) showed a significant main effect of time, no significant group differences were observed in its activation pattern. No significant time, group, or interaction effects were found for the primary motor cortex (PMC).

The present study demonstrates that domain-specific scenario simulation training yields greater improvements in map memory performance among orienteering athletes compared to conventional training protocols. In parallel, athletes who received scenario simulation training exhibited higher oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) levels in the frontopolar area (FPA) and orbitofrontal area (OFA) during map memory tasks relative to the control group; This study provides empirical reference for the design of spatial cognitive training programs in orienteering.