Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.6
2.8
Journals
Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation
Due to scheduled maintenance work on our servers, there may be short service disruptions on this website between 11:00 and 12:00 CEST on March 28th.
share announcement

Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 March 2026 | Viewed by 6874

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jose Manuel Cimadevilla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, Universidad de Almería, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: spatial memory; virtual reality; hippocampus; gender differnces; aging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Laura Piccardi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
2. San Raffaele Cassino Hospital, Cassino, FR, Italy
Interests: neurorehabilitation; cognitive neuropsychology; cognitive development; cognitive neuroscience; neuroimaging; memory; neuroscience; executive function; learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Raffaella Nori

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Interests: learning; memory; assessment; cognitive neuroscience; cognitive development; cognitive neuropsychology; executive function; neuroimaging; clinical neuropsychology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria Kozhevnikov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
2. Martinos Canter for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Interests: mental imagery; spatial navigation; individual differences; human–computer interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Sean Commins

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Psychology Department, Maynooth University, W23 F2K8 Kildare, Ireland
Interests: spatial navigation; formation of long-term spatial memories

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Humans, along with many other species, interact with the environment in which they perform their actions. Understanding spatial relations between elements of an environment, including one’s own position in space, helps to construct a mental map of space. Such representations are crucial for survival. Three distinct conceptualizations of space can be considered: the space of the body, the space surrounding the body, and the space accessible through movement. The latter, known as navigational space, has traditionally garnered the attention of researchers, as spatial navigation is often used to assess spatial memory in various species.

Different and overlapping neural networks support these distinct spaces. Neuropsychological assessment of specific cognitive processes provides crucial insights into brain function and helps in detecting pathologies early on. Development, aging, sex, familiarity with the environment, job expertise, mental health, and individual differences in cognitive style are among the many factors that can influence our construction and use of space. Space is built up during early childhood, and the ability for spatial orientation declines with age, aiding in the early identification of cognitive problems such as dementia, especially Alzheimer’s Disease. Furthermore, sex also influences these skills, which can be enhanced through various activities, including physical exercise. Familiarity with the environment and job expertise are important factors in acquiring and maintaining spatial knowledge. Therefore, there is a high interest in studying specific populations. It is well-known that military pilots, taxi drivers, engineers, and air traffic controllers are particularly skilled at mentally representing the environment. These abilities become cognitive reserve and protective factors as people age. Consequently, research in this field encompasses the development of new tasks and their application across different populations and clinical conditions.

We are seeking empirical or theoretical manuscripts addressing the factors contributing to spatial cognition and navigation. Critical reviews are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jose Manuel Cimadevilla
Dr. Laura Piccardi
Dr. Raffaella Nori
Dr. Maria Kozhevnikov
Prof. Dr. Sean Commins
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • spatial memory
  • neuropsychological
  • spatial navigation
  • cognitive disorder
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • spatial cognition
  • dementia
  • brain Function

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

43 pages, 1311 KB  
Article
Wayfinding with Impaired Vision: Preferences for Cues, Strategies, and Aids (Part I—Perspectives from Visually Impaired Individuals)
by Dominique P. H. Blokland, Maartje J. E. van Loef, Nathan van der Stoep, Albert Postma and Krista E. Overvliet
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010013 - 22 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
People with visual impairments (VIPs) can participate in orientation and mobility (O&M) training to learn how to navigate to their desired goal locations. During O&M training, personal wayfinding preferences with regard to cue use and wayfinding strategy choice are taken into account. However, [...] Read more.
People with visual impairments (VIPs) can participate in orientation and mobility (O&M) training to learn how to navigate to their desired goal locations. During O&M training, personal wayfinding preferences with regard to cue use and wayfinding strategy choice are taken into account. However, there is still a lack of clarity about which factors shape VIPs’ wayfinding experiences and how. Background/Objectives: In this study, we mapped individual differences in preferred sensory modality (both orientation- and mobility-related), and classified which personal and environmental factors are relevant for these preferences. Methods: To this end, interviews were conducted with eleven Dutch VIPs whose impairment varied in onset, ontology, and severity. Results: We concluded from our thematic analysis that hearing is the most important sensory modality to VIPs for orientation purposes, although it varies per person how and how often other resources are relied upon (i.e., other sensory modalities, existing knowledge of an environment, help from others, or navigational aids). Additionally, environmental factors such as weather conditions, crowdedness, and familiarity of the environment influence if, how, and which sensory modalities are employed. These preferences and strategies might be mediated by individual differences in priorities and needs pertaining to energy management. Conclusions: We discuss how the current findings could be of interest to orientation and mobility instructors when choosing a training strategy for individual clients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 1353 KB  
Article
Wayfinding with Impaired Vision: Preferences for Cues, Strategies, and Aids (Part II—Perspectives from Orientation and Mobility Instructors)
by Dominique P. H. Blokland, Maartje J. E. van Loef, Nathan van der Stoep, Albert Postma and Krista E. Overvliet
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010006 - 20 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 834
Abstract
Background/Objectives: People with visual impairments can participate in orientation and mobility (O&M) training to learn how to navigate to their desired destinations. Instructors adapt their approach to each individual client. However, assessments of client characteristics and resulting instructional adaptations are not standardised and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: People with visual impairments can participate in orientation and mobility (O&M) training to learn how to navigate to their desired destinations. Instructors adapt their approach to each individual client. However, assessments of client characteristics and resulting instructional adaptations are not standardised and may therefore vary. This study aimed to identify which individual differences instructors consider during O&M training and why. Methods: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 10 O&M instructors. Participants were asked to describe how they prepare for a training trajectory, and to describe a route they taught a specific client. Thematic analysis was used to determine instructional choices and the relevant client-specific factors. Results: We observed a common four-step instructional process in which clients are taught to notice, interpret, act upon, and anticipate relevant sensory cues until a destination is reached. Four main themes captured the individual differences impacting this process: Sensory modalities, Capacities and limits, Personal contextual characteristics, and Training approach. Conclusions: Instructors perceive route learning to be shaped by clients’ sensory abilities (even fluctuating within sensory modalities), mental and physical capacities (especially concentration and energy), and personal characteristics (especially age and anxiety). The dynamic social context in which training takes place (e.g., the instructor–client relationship) is shaped by individual differences between both clients and instructors. We speculate that trust-related themes (e.g., building confidence) may explain why certain client characteristics are emphasised by instructors, as they are associated with training outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1361 KB  
Article
Age and Self-Expansion Behaviors Correlate with Spatial Navigation in Healthy Adults
by Melissa Ansara, MaKayla Duggan, Alana Schafer, Karina Villalobos, Alexis N. Chargo, Ana M. Daugherty, Taylor N. Takla and Nora E. Fritz
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15091002 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1054
Abstract
Background: Spatial navigation is one’s ability to travel through their environment to reach a goal location. Self-expansion is the motivation to increase one’s self-perception through engaging in novel activities. Our objective was to examine the relations among self-expansion, age, and navigation ability and [...] Read more.
Background: Spatial navigation is one’s ability to travel through their environment to reach a goal location. Self-expansion is the motivation to increase one’s self-perception through engaging in novel activities. Our objective was to examine the relations among self-expansion, age, and navigation ability and investigate how one’s internal motivation may influence navigation performance across paradigms. Methods: In total, 33 younger adults (YAs; 19F, 14M, mean age = 25.0 ± 1.6) and 74 older adults (OAs; 52F, 22M, mean age = 69.5 ± 8.0) completed the following: Self-Expansion Preference Scale (SEPS), Wayfinding Questionnaire (WQ), Virtual Supermarket Task, Virtual Morris Water Maze (vMWM), and a Floor Maze Task (FMT). Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman ρ correlations were used to examine differences in navigation performance between YAs vs. OAs and self-expanders vs. self-conservers, and relations among the measures, respectively. Results: YAs had lower vMWM completion times compared to OAs (p < 0.001). Self-expanders had better recall of the vMWM environment compared to self-conservers (p = 0.049), independent of age. Greater self-expansion in YAs was correlated with lower spatial anxiety (ρ = −0.356, p = 0.042) and faster completion of the FMT (ρ = −0.36, p = 0.042). Discussion: Our results build on established age-related deficits in navigation abilities to identify correlations of self-expansion and better performance in various navigation tasks. Independent of age, individuals with greater inclination towards self-expansion exhibit superior navigation abilities. Future research should explore underlying mechanisms driving these associations and investigate intervention strategies aimed at improving navigation skills in aging populations through increasing self-expansion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1770 KB  
Article
The Role of Physical Activity on Spatial and Temporal Cognitive Processing in Young Women
by Joaquín Castillo-Escamilla, María del Mar Salvador-Viñas and José Manuel Cimadevilla
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050431 - 23 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1364
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) has many benefits for both physical and cognitive health. It has also been related to improvements in memory and executive functions. However, its impact on time estimation remains less explored. Time is a key component of episodic memory, which [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) has many benefits for both physical and cognitive health. It has also been related to improvements in memory and executive functions. However, its impact on time estimation remains less explored. Time is a key component of episodic memory, which also involves spatial components to give a full context to events. Given the clear evidence of the benefits of PA in spatial navigation and the anatomical overlap with temporal estimation through the hippocampus, the latter could be affected in a similar way. Therefore, this study aimed to check how PA can influence time processing and spatial memory. We wanted to check if PA influenced time and space with the same directionality. Methods: Forty-two (n = 42) female university students participated in this study, divided into a Sport (n = 25) or Sedentary (n = 17) Group depending on their participation in PA for a minimum of 3 h a week. They were addressed in two different cognitive capabilities. The first was time processing, measured by the Time Comparison Task, which controlled for several key aspects of time literature in its design. Moreover, we measured spatial navigation skills, using a well-proven virtual spatial navigation task, The Boxes Room. Accuracy and mean response times were registered per task. Results: Significant correlations were observed between spatial and temporal task performance. In addition, PA influenced spatial and time processing in a similar way, with the Sport Group outperforming the Sedentary Group in accuracy and response times for both tasks. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that PA influences time processing similarly to its established effects on spatial memory, which could help developing sports programs that further enhance this skill. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1576 KB  
Article
Dual Assessment of Developmental Topographical Disorientation: Comparing Self-Reported Measures with Actual Navigational Performance
by Alessia Bonavita, Sofia Pepe, Raffaella Nori, Massimiliano Palmiero, Cecilia Guariglia and Laura Piccardi
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030318 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1848
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of the Familiarity and Spatial Cognitive Style Scale (FSCS) and the short Computerized Ecological Navigational Battery (LBS) in predicting navigational performance by comparing self-reported scores with actual results; (ii) investigate the FSCS’s potential as [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of the Familiarity and Spatial Cognitive Style Scale (FSCS) and the short Computerized Ecological Navigational Battery (LBS) in predicting navigational performance by comparing self-reported scores with actual results; (ii) investigate the FSCS’s potential as a screening tool for Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), which affects about 3% of youth, focusing on early detection; and (iii) examine gender differences in self-reported data versus real-world performance to understand how stereotypes affect self-assessment. Methods: The study involved 185 college students (125 female), aged 18–35 years, who completed the FSCS and performed navigation tasks using a new version of the LBS. Participants’ performances were analysed using MAD-based z-scores to identify potential DTD cases, with scores below the fifth percentile flagged for further investigation. The relationship between self-reported abilities and actual performance was assessed through correlation analyses and robust linear regressions. Results: The SOD subscale of FSCS emerged as a comprehensive predictor of navigation performance, correlating significantly with accuracy across multiple tasks. The study identified a 5.42% prevalence of DTD using FSCS criteria, aligning with previous research, while LBS identified 11.96% of participants with navigational difficulties. Gender differences were observed in Survey Knowledge and Landmark Ordering tasks, with males showing higher performances. Only two participants were flagged as DTD cases by both assessment methods, suggesting they may evaluate distinct aspects of navigational ability. Conclusions: The findings validate FSCS as an initial screening tool for DTD while highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment using multiple tools. The study suggests the existence of at least two distinct forms of DTD: one affecting navigational memory (detectable by both FSCS and LBS) and another impacting perceptual navigation aspects (more readily identified by LBS). These results emphasise the importance of developing a detailed DTD taxonomy and implementing personalised interventions based on specific navigational challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop