Physical rehabilitation of military personnel with combat injuries: modernization of approaches and methodological solutions in the context of long-term functional recovery (literature review)

Abstract

In press

Background. The article considers a comprehensive analysis of modern and innovative approaches to physical rehabilitation of military personnel injured in combat operations in the context of post-war recovery.

Aim. To identify effective methods of physical rehabilitation for military personnel with combat injuries, assess their potential for functional recovery, and outline directions for improving rehabilitation programmes in Ukraine with consideration of international experience.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using methods of content analysis, comparative analysis, structural-functional analysis of scientific literature cited for 2019–2025 in the databases PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Rehabilitation Reference Centre. This study was conducted as a private initiative by the authors, without grant funding or official registration of the research topic.

Research Ethics. During the work, studies were selected whose authors adhered to ethical standards.

Results. An analysis of scientific literature indicates that prolonged use of traditional approaches often leads to overload, depletion of adaptive resources, the development of dysfunctional overtraining, and delayed neuromuscular recovery. Against this background, the latest technologies – kinesiotherapy, mechanotherapy, electrical stimulation, sensory retraining, biomechanical modelling, and integrative multisystem approaches – are promising, but their effectiveness depends on the personalisation of interventions. Analysis of the experiences the European Union (EU) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries indicates the need to transition to integrated rehabilitation protocols that account for injury complexes, psychophysiological changes, and social factors. As part of the study, a model of comprehensive physical rehabilitation for military personnel was developed, combining modern recovery technologies, individualised therapy, and a systemic interagency approach. It was established that the success of the rehabilitation of wounded military personnel in the post-war period depends not only on the degree of medical innovation but also on the healthcare system's ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Conclusions. The effectiveness of physical rehabilitation for military personnel with combat injuries is determined not only by the set of methods used, but also by the quality of personalization, continuity of the patient pathway, access to modern technologies, availability of a trained team, and interagency coordination. For Ukraine, priorities include standardizing assessment, developing rehabilitation centres of different levels, integrating physical, psychological, and social support, and introducing transparent criteria for programme effectiveness.

Keywords: functional independence, neuromuscular adaptation, remote monitoring, assistive technologies, interdisciplinary coordination, evidence-based protocols.