Effect of the training program on mental qualities in elite orienteers

Abstract

Problem Statement and Approach Orienteering represents an independent crossing of a racing or training route in the possible shortest time using a map and compass as navigation tools. The sport requires maximum efficiency when obtaining and processing information from the map and terrain, which depends largely on thought processes, with the goal being adequate and quick decision-making. Relationship between the emotional, cognitive, and psychophysiological factors as well as the changes in the levels of mental and physical load are extremely important in orienteering. The purpose of the study is to research the influence of a training program on some mental qualities in elite orienteers. Material and Methods In this sports-pedagogical experiment were included 30 elite orienteering competitors. The period of applying the training tools was 6 months. There were applied 5 tests for determining the level of the mental qualities believed to be key crucial for sports performance in orienteering. Results The variability of the results of the tests for assessing the mental qualities decreased in 3 of the 5 tests at the end of the experiment. It can be seen that at the end of the experiment, there was improvement in the levels of all mental qualities studied, with increased mean values in all tests. Discussion The positive changes that occurred, statistically significant in 4 of the 5 tests conducted, were, in our opinion, due to the tools purposefully applied in the training program to improve the technical abilities of the orienteers, and the program greatly influenced their mental qualities. Conclusions The subjects’ group recorded a statistically significant growth in all tests for determining the levels of mental qualities, except for the memory functions test. To the greatest extent, the systematic use of orienteering tools influenced the concentration and stability of attention followed by span of attention. Memory, as a mental quality, was not influenced by the systematic orienteering training.