Comparison of Elite Orienteering Athletes’ Physical and Mental Test Parameters with Their End-of-Season Competition Results

Abstract

Orienteering is a nature sport that requires intense physical and mental performance, in which athletes attempt to find designated control points in challenging terrain using a map and compass. The present study aims to compare the physical and mental parameters measured using various tests in orienteering athletes with their end-of-season competition results and to determine the parameters that affect performance. Twenty-one male athletes competing in the elite category of the Turkish Orienteering Federation league participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups based on their experience in the sport: inexperienced (2-5 years) and experienced (5 years and above). To measure physical performance parameters, the participants underwent a sit-and-reach flexibility test, a 20 m sprint test, Illinois agility test, active jump test, squat jump test, McGill core endurance test, isokinetic muscle strength measurement, running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), and 3000 m run test. To measure mental performance parameters, the D2 attention test, spatial visualization test, and mental rotation test were administered. The analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between active jump, squat jump, RAST fatigue index, and 3000 m run test results and end-of-season competition scores, and a statistically significant positive correlation between years of experience and end-of-season competition scores. Regression analysis revealed that experience and aerobic endurance are two important components that influence performance. The findings show that the two most decisive variables affecting end-of-season performance are aerobic endurance (3000 m test) and athlete experience. This reveals that, in addition to physical capacity, sport-specific experience is also a critical factor in performance.