THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL AND SPORTS REHABILITATION IN RESTORING THE FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF MILITARY SERVICEMEN AFTER COMBAT INJURIES

Abstract

Since 2014, military operations in eastern Ukraine have resulted in a large number of servicemen who have been wounded or seriously injured during combat operations, and the full-scale war since February 24, 2022 has significantly increased this number. This creates an urgent need for rehabilitation and recovery, processes that contribute to the restoration of physical strength and social integration of military personnel. Currently, Ukraine lacks systematic professional rehabilitation assistance. One of the most promising areas in this process is physical and sports rehabilitation, which combines active physical exercises and individual programs for adaptation to new living conditions.

After treatment in hospitals, military personnel often face problems restoring the functionality of the body to return to normal physical shape. Combat injuries are usually accompanied by impaired functional capabilities of the body, limited mobility, and decreased physical endurance. This not only affects the ability of military personnel to return to service or active life, but can also lead to a deterioration in psychological state and social isolation. In this context, physical activity becomes a tool not only for restoring physical functions, but also for strengthening self-confidence and improving the quality of life.

Physical and sports rehabilitation has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of military personnel, helping to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological consequences of combat operations. It ensures the gradual restoration of working capacity and a return to active life through a set of exercises that take into account the nature of the injuries and the individual needs of each military personnel. Sports also contribute to socialization, as they are carried out in a team, which adds a sense of support and belonging to the community.

The development and implementation of physical and sports rehabilitation systems is an important task for society, as it contributes to the return of military personnel to a full life and their integration into the social environment. The article examines the role of physical exercises and sports in the rehabilitation process, analyzes their impact on the restoration of the body's functional capabilities, and also offers recommendations for improving rehabilitation programs. The implementation of such approaches will contribute not only to the physical, but also to the moral and psychological strengthening of military personnel, ensuring their harmonious integration into civilian life.