INTERNAL COMPASSES: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MOBILITY AND SPATIAL NAVIGATION

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between athletic experience, sensorimotor balance control, and path integration performance in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment. While athletic status did not predict navigation accuracy, we found that balance, particularly balance relying on proprioceptive and vestibular inputs, was a strong predictor of angular precision during spatial navigation tasks. These findings suggest that sensorimotor control plays a critical role in spatial navigation and underscore the integrated nature of mobility and orientation. As data collection progresses, future analyses with a larger sample will allow for a more detailed exploration of individual differences, including potential effects of visual dependence, motor strategies, and habitual physical activities. Understanding the interplay between mobility and navigation may have implications for interventions aimed at preserving cognitive and physical independence across various populations.