PWT Italia with Italian Universities: the value of research in sport

Even in the world of sports, research represents a fundamental resource. PWT Italia is well aware of this, and in 2024 it launched two important collaborations with illustrious Italian universities, the University of Verona and the University of Trento, for the realization of studies thanks to which the peculiarities of orienteering can be valorized, promoted, and exploited. 

A RENEWED PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VERONA

Led by professors Federico Schena and Cantor Tarperi, motor science researchers from the Università di Verona Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, together with CeRiSM, the Centre for Sport, Mountain and Health Research, have launched a study on the evaluation of the beneficial effects of sport in preserving people’s cognitive capacities, counteracting the natural deterioration due to aging.

The chosen sporting activity was orienteering, which can stimulate and train physical athletic and decision-making abilities. Doctoral student and orienteer Martina Palumbo collected data during 5 Days Dolomiti Paganella and 2 Days Monte Baldo – Lake Garda, events organized by PWT Italia, using tests aimed at master orienteers to assess performance and cognitive skills (memory, spatial planning, visual attention, change of perspective and color perception) and questionnaires on their sporting curriculum. 

Each participant was also measured on the level of cardiometabolic fitness, a global index of muscle function, the level and pattern of sports practice throughout life, and weekly energy expenditure. The first research results will be available by the end of the year. 

SYNERGY WITH THE SCHOOL OF INNOVATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TRENTO

PWT Italy will be the challenge provider for the new study organized this autumn by the School of Innovation (SOI) of the University of Trento, an interdepartmental structure on innovation, entrepreneurship, and innovative education. The orienteering club has, in fact, decided to propose to students from universities all over Europe, through its athlete Jessica Lucchetta, PhD Student in Computer Science at the University of Trento, an interesting challenge: “How can an orienteering sports club use resources and competences to generate new societal value?” 

During a week in Trento, the students will participate in activities to experience and learn about orienteering, as well as in lectures and seminars held by university professors and researchers who have used the skills developed through orienteering and sport in their subjects. They will then have a month to work in multidisciplinary teams, put their skills into play and find answers to the question. These will be presented to Gabriele Viale, PWT Italy Team Manager, who as judge will declare the winner.

The Challenge is organized as part of the alleanza europea ECIU, is an alliance of 14 universities that share the goal of working with cities, communities and businesses to solve real-life challenges and promote change. 

If you are a university student and would like to apply for the Challenge: 

www.soi.unitn.it/courses/orienteering-unlocking-new-potential-for-a-niche-sport-club/