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Purpose This study aimed to examine differences between track and field (T&F) runners and foot-orienteers (Foot-O) in the walking and running tests in the absence of vision and hearing. We attempted to determine whether experienced foot orienteers show better ability to maintain the indicated direction compared to track and field runners. Methods This study examined 11 Foot-O and 11 T&F runners. The study consisted of an interview, a field experiment of walking and running in a straight line in the absence of vision and hearing, and coordination skills tests. Results Participants moved straight min. 20 m and max. 40 m during the walking test and min. 20 m and max. 125 m during the running test and then they moved around in a circle. Significant differences between groups were found for the distance covered by walking. Differences between sexes were documented for the distance covered by running and angular deviations. Relationship between lateralization and tendencies to veer were not found. Differences were observed between Foot-O and T&F groups in terms of coordination abilities. Conclusions Participants moved in circles irrespective of the type of movement and experience in practicing the sport. Orienteers may use information about their tendencies to turning more often left or right to correct it during their races in dense forests with limited visibility or during night orienteering competition.

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This study aimed to examine the differences in coordination motor abilities between track and field (T&F) runners and foot orienteers (Foot-O). Another purpose of this study was to analyse gender differences in terms of coordination motor abilities. Coordination skills tests were undertaken by 11 Foot-O and 11 T&F runners. Each group consisted of five women and six men who lived in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. The Foot-O group consisted of 11 orienteers aged 24.09 (±4.78) years, with a minimum 10 years of experience, while the T&F group consisted of 11 long-distance runners aged 24.91 (±4.04) years and with a performance level at distances of 5 km and 10 km equivalent to that for orienteering. Some of the participants represented world-class level (e.g., world junior medallists), and most of them were of national elite level. Coordination tests of motor abilities were chosen for their reliability and repeatability and included tests of spatial orientation, rhythmisation of movements, balance and kinaesthetic differentiation. The Foot-O group performed significantly better than the T&F group in terms of some coordination abilities. Differences were observed between the Foot-O and T&F runners in balance ability measured during the “Walk on the bench” test. Further research should be carried out in this area in order to confirm these differences.