Neural correlates of map representation and spatial orientation in orienteering experts: an fNIRS study

This study investigated the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation expertise in orienteering using a mixed-factorial design with skill level (expert vs. novice) as a between-subjects factor and map orientation (normal vs. rotated) as a within-subjects factor. Forty-eight orienteers participated in the experiment. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to assess behavioral performance and hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Behavioral results showed that experts achieved higher accuracy than novices, whereas map rotation reduced accuracy across participants. A significant interaction was observed for reaction time: Experts responded significantly faster than novices, specifically in the rotated condition. Neuroimaging results showed that the rotated condition elicited greater activation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (R-VLPFC). In contrast, novices showed greater activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC), whereas experts exhibited attenuated L-DLPFC activation under rotated-orientation conditions. In addition, the frontal pole showed significant group differences across conditions. Accuracy in the expert group was negatively correlated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. Together, these findings suggest that expert orienteers may exhibit a neural-efficiency advantage, characterized by superior performance with reduced cortical recruitment, and highlight the R-VLPFC as an important region involved in spatial reorientation.