Abstract

Aims: Complex physical movements that are often dangerous have increased the importance of balance in military forces. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cadets' physiological arousal and activation with performance in a static balance task. The task was chosen according to its association with military health and physical fitness. Methods: This descriptive study with correlation pattern was carried out in 2009 on 30 male cadets with the age range of 19-23. Skin conductance Level (SCL) as arousal index was recorded continuously during the 30-second performance of a static balance task. Sway index was recorded on an electronic stabilometer as performance measure. Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise linear regression was used to analyze the data by SPSS 16 software. Results: Results indicated a negative linear relationship between activation and performance, while arousal did not correlate with performance. Activation also predicted performance with a medium strength. Conclusion: The quality of the task is affected by activation, but not arousal. Confirmation of these data in future studies will lead to comprehension of the interaction between physiological measures and its behavioral associations in high level military or sport performance, especially in emotional contexts.