Changes in Some Physiological (Cortisol), Psychological (Cognitive, Physical and Self-Confidence) and Functional Shooting Factors After a Course of Mental Imagery Training in Military Students

Competitive anxiety and self-confidence are factors that trigger different physiological responses in the body. The aim of the present study was to determine the change in physiological, psychological and shooting factors after a course of mental imaging exercises in military students.

The present study is a quasi-experimental study in which the statistical population was all officer students of Imam Ali (AS) Military University. they got. The experimental group received imaging exercises for 6 weeks in a sequence of three days a week. Cognitive anxiety, physical anxiety and self-esteem were measured through a questionnaire and cortisol from saliva and shooting performance through shooting.

The findings of the present study showed that after mental imaging in the experimental group compared to the pretest and the control group cognitive anxiety (p = 0.006), physical anxiety (p = 0.001), cortisol (p=0.002) Significant decrease and confidence (p = 0.001) and shooting performance (p = 0.001) have a significant increase.

In general, it can be concluded that imaging practice can be a strategy to reduce psychological, physiological and strategic responses to improve self-confidence.