Social Adaptation Research Articles

Personality matters in extremely demanding environments: A bed rest performance study

IntroductionPersonality is a rather neglected aspect in bed rest studies. The aim of the study was to clarify which specific personality pattern may predict the performance of bed rest study participants.Materials and methodsPersonality traits were correlated with participants’ performance rated by the team running the study. The sample consisted of N = 68 participants who took part in one of four different studies. A broad set of personality traits correlated with different performance aspects (stability, perseverance, modesty, flexibility, compliance, likability, social adaptation).ResultsEmotional instability showed the highest correlations. Furthermore, participants with low aggressiveness, low empathy and low achievement motivation were rated as more suitable for a study. Additionally, participants with a high extraversion showed a higher social adaptation.DiscussionThe results contribute to the knowledge of the impact of personality in extremely demanding environments and provide first evidence for the identification of an ideal personality profile predicting performance of bed rest study participants.

КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ЗАСАДИ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО РИНКУ ПРАЦІ В УКРАЇНІ

Introduction. In the conditions of war, Ukraine faces numerous challenges that affect the socio-economic situation and the functioning of the labor market. At the same time, the formation of an inclusive labor market, which is able to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, including vulnerable groups of the population, which will contribute to social cohesion and economic stability of the country, becomes particularly relevant. This requires the formation of conceptual approaches to the creation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine, taking into account the peculiarities of wartime and the challenges facing the country. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the study is to determine the conceptual foundations of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in wartime conditions based on the identification of the main challenges for attracting vulnerable population groups to the labor market and the development of ways to overcome them in order to ensure the social and economic stability of the state. Methods. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach, which includes the analysis of scientific literature, regulatory and legal framework and statistical data. The research uses methods of comparative analysis to determine barriers in the labor market, a systematic approach to determine the conceptual foundations of inclusiveness, and a method of logical generalization to determine practical ways to solve the identified problems. Results. The article identifies the need for the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in the conditions of war, when socio-economic instability affects access to employment for various population groups. The main barriers to the participation of vulnerable population groups in the labor market, including veterans, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, youth and women, have been identified. The analysis of the modern legal framework showed that there is currently a shortage of state support tools for their employment. The importance of cooperation between the state, business and the public sector to create equal employment opportunities has been proven. Conceptual approaches to the formation of an inclusive labor market are defined: implementation of professional retraining programs, development of social entrepreneurship and adaptation of workplaces. The need for the formation of a state policy aimed at ensuring equal access to the labor market for all population groups and strengthening the economic stability of Ukraine has been proven. Conclusions. The importance of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine as a key element of socio-economic stability in the conditions of war has been proven. The proposed conceptual principles ensure the expansion of opportunities for vulnerable population groups, the reduction of unemployment and the increase of social cohesion.

Mapping research on International Student Mobilities in higher education: Achievements and the agenda ahead

In this comprehensive review, we analyzed nearly 10,000 publications indexed in the Scopus database over the past seven decades using bibliometric analysis and science mapping visualization techniques to delineate the scholarly discourse on International Student Mobilities (ISM) in higher education and uncover significant trends. The findings reveal that the field has a long history with remarkable growth since 2005. English-speaking nations dominate knowledge production, but European and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have also made noteworthy contributions. Co-citation analyses highlight the interdisciplinary nature of ISM research, drawing from diverse disciplines across psychology, social sciences, and the humanities. Eight prominent thematic strands underpin the foundations of ISM research, with a strong emphasis on exploring international students’ social, emotional, and cultural adaptation within university settings. Implications drawn from these trends provide a nuanced perspective for navigating the terrain of ISM in higher education, offering guidance for future research and policy considerations.

Role of physical training in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Currently, the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation of patients with comorbid CHF using physical training when prescribing optimal drug therapy, including SGLT2 drugs, has not been studied.Aims. To study the effect of controlled physical training on the quality of life and prognosis of patients with CHF comorbid with type 2 diabetes mellitus against the background of rational pharmacotherapy.Materials and methods. The study included 74 patients with CHF against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving optimal drug therapy, with mandatory intake of SGLT2 drugs. Two groups were formed using the simple randomization method: “Physical training” (n = 35) – basic drug therapy supplemented by a program of controlled physical training and “Standard drug therapy” (n = 37) – only basic drug therapy. Patients in the standard drug therapy group were recommended regular aerobic physical activity of moderate intensity for 30–60 minutes at least 5 days a week.Results. In the Physical Training group, after 12 months, an increase in the distance according to the results of the 6-minute walk test by 39.6% (on average 407.2 meters) was registered, in the Standard Drug Therapy group, physical tolerance increased by 12.2% (324.5 meters) (p = 0.002). According MLHFQ questionnaire in patients with CHF, the results were obtained that characterize the high social adaptation of patients during physical training in comparison with standard pathogenetic drug therapy. Thus, the MLHFQ indicator in the Physical Training group changed by an average of 25.2 points, and in the Standard Drug Therapy group – by 5.7 points, amounting to 37.3 ± 5.9 in the Physical Training group, and 58.2 ± 2.1 in the Standard Drug Therapy group (p = 0.001).Conclusions. Physical training in patients with CHF associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus against the background of optimal drug therapy leads to an increase in the distance according to the results of the 6-minute walk test and contributes to an improvement in the quality of life.

Relationship between physical exercise and college students’ social adaptation: the chain mediating role of self-esteem and peer attachment

ObjectivePhysical exercise is an important way for college students to keep healthy, and social adaptation is an important part of college students’ mental health. Therefore, this study explores strategies to enhance college students’ social adaptation from the perspective of physical exercise, examining the correlation between physical exercise and college students’ social adaptation, and delving into the roles of self-esteem and peer attachment in this relationship.MethodsA stratified cluster sampling method was used to collect data from 809 college students at Zhaoqing University (average age 19.88 ± 1.22, of whom 399 were male and 410 were female) using the physical exercise scale, college students’ social adaptation scale, self-esteem scale, and peer attachment scale. For data analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and bias-corrected percentile bootstrap methods were sequentially performed.Results(1) Physical exercise was positively correlated with college students’ social adaptation (r = 0.58, p < 0.01), and the direct path between physical exercise and college students’ social adaptation was significant (β = 0.28, p < 0.01, CI[0.22, 0.33]); (2) Physical exercise was positively correlated with self-esteem (β = 0.56, p < 0.01, CI[0.50, 0.62]) and peer attachment (β = 0.18, p < 0.01, CI[0.11, 0.26]); self-esteem was positively correlated with peer attachment (β = 0.36, p < 0.01, CI[0.28, 0.43]) and college students’ social adaptation (β = 0.43, p < 0.01, CI[0.37, 0.49]); peer attachment was positively correlated with college students’ social adaptation (β = 0.18, p < 0.01, CI[0.12, 0.23]); (3) The relationship between physical exercise and social adaptation was not only mediated independently by self-esteem and peer attachment, but also indirectly by the same two factors in a chain reaction.ConclusionPhysical exercise can not only directly predict college students’ social adaptation, but also indirectly predict college students’ social adaptation through the independent mediation and chain mediation of self-esteem and peer attachment. It reveals that we should combine more important physical exercise with mental health education for students.

Differences in Social Adaptation of Rural Children between Different Family Socioeconomic Status: The Coupling Effect of Family Intimacy and Social Support

This study analyzes the influence of family social-economic status on children's social adaptability in rural areas and analyzes its mechanism. Based on the survey data of rural children on social adaptation, this study examined the mediation effect of family intimacy and social support between family SES and social adaptation. Results: ① Children with different family socioeconomic status showed differences in family closeness, social support and social adaptation scores; ② Rural children showed a positive correlation between family socioeconomic status, social support and social adaptation(r = 0.178-0.62, P <0.001); ③ family closeness and social support played some intermediary role in family socioeconomic status and social adaptation, with the mediation effect values were 0.290 and 0.250 respectively;④ Family closeness and social support played a chain mediation role between family SES and social adaptation, with an effect value of 0.256. Under the objective conditions of rural families social and economic status, it is particularly important and necessary to promote the intimate relationship within families and strengthen the construction of social support network for rural children for their healthy growth and improve their social adaptability.

Effects of Cognitive Flexibility, Prosocial and Problem Behaviours, Parenting Style and Social Support on Social Adaptation Among Children With Leukaemia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach.

Leukaemia children often encounter various social adaptation issues stemming from changes in their living environment. Identifying and optimising the factors associated with social adaptation is crucial in improving social adaptation in children with leukaemia. To investigate social adaptation in children with leukaemia and to clarify the impact pathway of cognitive flexibility, problem behaviour, prosocial behaviour, parenting style and social support on social adaptation. Using a convenience sampling method, 264 leukaemia children completed a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using the Social Adaptation Assessment Scale for Children with Leukaemia, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, Short-Egna Minnenav Barndoms Uppfostran and Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Structural equation modelling was used to test the influencing factors of social adaptation. Social support directly influenced social adaptation (β = 0.19, p < 0.01) and indirectly influenced social adaptation through prosocial behaviour (β = 0.06, p < 0.01) and problem behaviour (β = 0.18, p < 0.01). Prosocial behaviour (β = 0.17, p < 0.01) and problem behaviour (β = -0.61, p < 0.01) directly influenced social adaptation. Negative parenting directly influenced social adaptation (β = 0.12, p < 0.01) and indirectly influenced social adaptation (β = -0.23, p < 0.01) through problem behaviour. Our finding indicated that there are prominent social adjustment problems in the recovery process of children with leukaemia. These findings suggest that targeted education is needed to enhance social adaptation among children with leukaemia. The final model should serve as a framework to guide intervention research targeting social support and negative parenting to improve the social adaptation of children with leukaemia. During the recovery process, nurses need to regularly follow up on the children's social adaptation and encourage them to participate in social activities to increase social support while providing family guidance based on improving parenting styles. The subjects of this study were children with leukaemia aged 8-18 years. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Improving physical healthcare for people experiencing mental illness: The COMITMENT project

Abstract Background People experiencing mental illness (PMI) face significant challenges in accessing and using somatic healthcare services, reducing their overall life expectancy by up to 20 years. The COMITMENT project aimed to identify barriers and facilitators in accessing and using somatic healthcare services for PMI and co-design strategies that could address existing challenges. Methods This study employed a qualitative participatory approach, involving a “trialogic” steering group composed of a person with lived experience of mental illness, a family member and caregiver of PMI, as well as a health professional. Two co-design workshops were conducted with members of each trialogic group, based on “World Café” methodology, facilitating open discussion between and among the three perspectives. Data was gathered through participant observations and systematically collecting participants’ workshop contributions, and analyzed thematically. Results Overall, 52 people participated in the two workshops. Findings identified six overarching themes regarding challenges in somatic healthcare access/use for PMI: (1) accessibility and facility design, (2) support and bureaucracy, (3) awareness among healthcare professionals, (4) societal awareness, (5) structural diversity of services, and (6) lack of networking abilities. Notable insights include inclusivity design requirements for healthcare facilities and the importance of integrating lived experiences of PMI into the training of healthcare professionals to reduce stigma. Conclusions This study underscores the critical need for systemic changes to improve somatic care for PMI. It suggests that greater awareness among healthcare professionals, coupled with more inclusive service design and enhanced networking abilities, could substantially improve the quality of healthcare for PMI. The COMITMENT project provides robust and co-designed results for social, systemic, and political reforms aimed at reducing healthcare inequity. Key messages • This study shows how direct involvement of relevant stakeholders improves the design of interventions that truly meet the needs of people with mental illness regarding somatic healthcare services. • To improve healthcare access and treatment for people experiencing mental illness, systemic social, design, educational, and political changes and adaptations are required.

Leveraging epidemiological data for the development of interventions to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds

Abstract ePro-Schools is a public health initiative designed to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity among adolescents from socially disadvantaged backgrounds using a targeted e-health intervention to be deployed in the school context. A central theme of ePro-Schools is its robust cross-sectoral collaboration, involving stakeholders from academia, healthcare, education, and local communities. This cooperative approach not only enhances the intervention’s relevance and efficacy but also ensures its cultural, social, and economic adaptability to the needs of the target population. The project embodies a truly interdisciplinary effort, integrating insights from epidemiology, behavioural science, public health, and digital technology to innovate and improve health promotion strategies. This presentation will explore how data from epidemiological studies, such as the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, are used to support the development of the ePro-Schools intervention. Utilizing high-quality epidemiological data, the project identifies key determinants of physical activity, dietary habits, and sedentary behaviour amongst adolescents growing up in low-SES contexts, allowing to craft tailored strategies to promote healthier lifestyles within this vulnerable population.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN VETERAN DEVELOPMENT CENTERS: PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Institutions of higher education actively participate in the implementation of the state veteran policy. The article characterizes the practical experience of the Center for Veteran Development in providing first-level psychological assistance. Research methods applied: analysis of the activities of the Center for Veteran Development of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, generalization of the main forms of social and psychological support for veterans and their family members; study of the official website of the institution of higher education. The main form of socio-psychological support for veterans and veterans is Veteran Development Centers. The article`s purpose is to characterize the practical experience of the Center for Veteran Development in providing first-level psychological assistance. Research methods: analysis of the activities of the Center for Veteran Development of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, generalization of the main forms of social and psychological support for veterans and their family members; study of the official website of the institution of higher education. Since 2023, such a center has been created based on Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University. The university staff is working on creating a barrier-free space and accessible services. Among the forms of work of the center: individual psychological counseling is provided; group therapeutic classes, psychoeducation, and information sessions are practiced; rehabilitation programs are being developed; measures to support families are in demand; relaxation techniques and therapies are effective; individual work on social and psychological adaptation is carried out; training work is popular. Volunteer activities are systematically carried out by specialists and volunteers of the Center. It is possible to study for veterans at the university, as well as to study a foreign language.

Realization of the right to education by children with migration history: Russian practices and foreign experience (The end)

Involvement of children with migration history in the Russian education system is a necessary condition for their integration into the host society, their future economic and social success. Less than 20% of migrant children living in our country attend schools. But even their education causes serious problems due to poor knowledge of the Russian language, gaps in general education, and upbringing in a different ethno-cultural environment, often differing in its values and accepted rules of behavior. Russia and foreign countries are implementing a variety of legal and organizational measures aimed at solving these problems and social adaptation of migrant children. The subject of this article is the analysis and generalization of the most effective practices.

Swinging Pendulum: The Social Adaptation of Returnees from Universities

College teachers now have more opportunities to engage in transnational education as people enter a new era of globalization and the shift toward a knowledge-based society. However, they also face various challenges in social adaptation. It has become a critical issue to enhance the sense of belonging and career resilience of the returnees from universities. By using a qualitative research method with the data from a respective provincial university in China, this study aims to explore the process and influencing factors of the social adaptation of returnees and finds that the social adaptation of returnees has gone through the process of longing, division, adjustment, and integration, which varies with individual and cultural differences. Social adaptation is similar to the swing and vibration of a clock. The working environment is the primary source of adverse cultural impact and ones social network support is negatively associated with social adaptation. Also, self-efficacy and informal social support networks play key roles in the adaptation process. To mitigate the re-entry shock, recommendations include optimizing work environments, providing emotional counseling, and enhancing organizational structures.

The effect of functional asymmetry of the brain on the consumption of psychoactive substances by adolescents in South Siberian regions: prevention strategies

Introduction. It is assumed that the functional asymmetry of the brain must be taken into account in a complex of other predisposing factors that influence the tendency to various kinds of deviations in adolescents, in particular, the consumption of psychoactive substances.Purpose setting. The aim of the study was to study the relationship between functional asymmetry of the brain and the consumption of psychoactive substances (alcohol, nicotine) in adolescents of the South Siberian regions (Tuva, Altai).Methodology and methods of the study. 2 559 adolescents aged 14–17 years, students of educational institutions were examined. All students completed a specially designed questionnaire on their substance use. Motor, sensory and mental asymmetry have been studied. The test «Self-assessment of mental states of personality» was applied for adolescence by G. Aizenk in the interpretation of O. V. Zikeeva. The statistical analysis was carried out in the SPSS-26 program.Results. It has been shown that right-hemisphere adolescents have significantly more pronounced anxiety, frustration and rigidity, indicating a violation of social adaptation and predisposing to the consumption of psychoactive substances, which indirectly confirms the influence of functional asymmetry of the brain. Right- brain adolescents are more vulnerable to nicotine and alcohol. Conclusion. The results obtained allow us to substantiate prevention strategies that should take into account the functional asymmetry of the target audience’s brain.

Distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of transverse malocclusions in children

Relevance. Malocclusions accounts for 37% to 89% of all maxillofacial conditions in children aged 3 to 18 across various regions of Russia. These malocclusions can present as isolated issues in a single plane or as combined anomalies across multiple planes. Jaw narrowing or underdevelopment is influenced by various endogenous and exogenous factors. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the malocclusion. While literature indicates several effective methods for treating transverse malocclusions, some aspects remain insufficiently explored.Materials and methods. A statistical analysis was conducted on 271 patient records of individuals with transverse malocclusions who received treatment in the Department of Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery at A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, between 2013 and 2023.Results. There was an almost equal distribution of patients by gender, with a noticeable increase in medical consultations from 2013 to 2023. The majority of surgically treated patients were between 15 and 17 years old. Isolated transverse malocclusions were significantly less common than cases combined with other pathologies, with mesial occlusion being the most frequent comorbidity.Conclusion. The findings demonstrate a significant need for surgical treatment in pediatric patients with transverse malocclusions through distraction osteogenesis. This underscores the importance of continually improving treatment methods for children, including enhancing diagnostics, refining treatment indications, optimizing distraction protocols, and adjusting treatment courses. These efforts aim to improve the quality of rehabilitation for children, ensuring better outcomes into adulthood and facilitating their social adaptation.

Rehabilitation of Pediatric Patients with Proctological Anomalies

More than 240 observations were analyzed. Patients are conditionally divided into three groups: 1) primary with a smooth postoperative course, A special group consists of patients with combined developmental defects. In most cases, these are so-called regional defects of the urinary tract, sacrococcygeal region. Individual attention should be paid to the issue of social adaptation and rehabilitation of children suffering from malformations of the colon and rectum. Rehabilitation of proctological patients of childhood is a complex medical and social problem that requires the integration of knowledge and actions of specialists from many services subordinate to various departments. The aim of this work: The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the rehabilitation of pediatric patients with proctological anomalies.

What Is the (Lack Of) Integration? An Intergroup Perspective Using the Photovoice Methodology

Photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method that employes photographic language to explore individuals’ stories and living contexts. This study explores the representations of young participants, both immigrants and non-immigrants, concerning integration—defined within Berry’s (1997) framework as a bidirectional process of cultural and social adaptation between migrants and host communities—and the lack of integration within their neighborhood in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The participants included 12 young individuals (6 migrants and 6 locals) aged 19 to 29, two peer researchers, and one researcher. Over the course of two weekly three-hour meetings, participants captured and discussed photos depicting their perspectives on integration. The findings highlighted diverse conceptualizations of integration. Participants emphasized the reciprocal relationship between migrants and locals, illustrating how positive interactions with schools, workplaces, and public spaces facilitate integration. Additionally, successful migrants were seen as models of empowerment. Conversely, themes such as poverty, loneliness, discrimination, and the impact of war emerged as significant barriers to integration. This study underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of integration, as experienced by young people in multicultural settings. It highlights how Photovoice methodology can effectively capture nuanced perspectives on integration, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate intergroup relationships. The method fosters personal and community reflection, actively engaging its audience in critical discussions about integration.

Clinical, functional and neuropsychological status of joint replacement patients

Introduction The number of hip and knee replacement surgeries is increasing annually in Russia and worldwide. The majority of patients receiving joint arthroplasties are elderly women.The objective was to assess the clinical, functional and neuropsychological status of patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.Material and methods The study included 448 patients admitted for elective surgery of total knee or hip replacement at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Federal Center for High Medical Technologies (CHMT, Kaliningrad Region). Anthropometric parameters of the patients were measured, the medical history and concomitant diseases recorded. Common blood count and biochemistry test were evaluated preoperatively. Neuropsychological examination included assessment of cognitive and executive functions, levels of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization.Results Almost all patients studied were found to have varying degrees of obesity. A typical combination of concomitant pathology in volunteers was stage 2 hypertension, risk degree 2–3, and chronic gastritis in remission. Half of the volunteers showed moderate and high levels of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization. A significant number of volunteers showed moderate to high levels of cognitive decline. Age- and sex-related blood counts were slightly different from the normal ranges for a CBC and biochemistry. Changes in leukocyte count were detected.Discussion Leukocyte counts indicated the osteoarthritis induced inflammatory process in most patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction and aging of the immune system contributed to the “proinflammatory status.” The high rate of cognitive impairment in volunteers was associated with age and comorbidity, cardiovascular conditions, in particular. Distress and anxiety were associated with emotional reactions to surgery.Conclusion The factors reported can affect the duration and course of rehabilitation. The “pro-inflammatory status” of patients can complicate the healing of a postoperative wound. Neuropsychological disorders noted during postoperative rehabilitation can have a significant impact on physical recovery, social and professional adaptation.

Signal detection analysis of affective prosody recognition in forensic inpatients who have committed sexual offenses

ABSTRACT Socio-affective functioning, or the way we interact and relate to others, is one of the four dynamic sexual recidivism risk domains. Accurately recognizing emotions enables the inference of mental and affective states supporting social adaptation. As little attention has been paid to affective prosody recognition in forensic inpatients who have committed sexual offenses (FICSOs), this study assessed the accuracy and sensitivity scores of 111 male participants assigned into three groups: FICSOs (n = 35), forensic inpatients who have committed non-sexual offenses (FICNSOs, n = 26) and community members (CoM, n = 50). Collected data also include response bias, emotion labeling reflection time, task easiness and task easiness reflection time. Using non-parametric group comparisons (Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U), results highlight, overall, a pervasive impairment of affective prosody recognition in FICSOs and FICNSOs compared to CoM. However, there was no difference in disgust sensitivity scores between FICSOs and CoM. FICSOs and FICNSOs took significantly longer than CoM to select an emotional label, especially for happiness. In addition, a metacognitive impairment was found in FICSOs and FICNSOs as they found the task significantly easier than CoM while being less sensitive.

Analysis of the organization and conduct of sports events in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the armed forces of the leading states – NATO member states with military personnel with limited functional capabilities

During the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending their country from the aggressor, received injuries of various degrees of severity, including amputation of limbs. After receiving injuries and wounds, servicemen go through significant psychological and physical disorders, which are difficult for them to deal with alone. Therefore, with the specified category of servicemen, it is necessary to carry out medical, psychological, and physical rehabilitation, as well as to develop programs for their adaptation to civilian life with the mandatory involvement of them in sports events. The Russian-Ukrainian war leads to an increase in the number of servicemen with limited functional capabilities. This indicates the search for optimal ways of their adaptation to the normal conditions of existence and functioning in the social environment and among the collective of their units and parts. Unfortunately, historical analysis shows that our servicemen with limited functional capabilities are in urgent need of social adaptation, especially with the start of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine since 2014, in connection with Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. That is why various sports federations, public organizations and active public figures in Ukraine hold competitions involving servicemen with limited functional capabilities, namely; "National Invincible Games", "Strong of Ukraine", "Kyiv Unbreakable", "Hero Games", "Veteran Ten", "Invincible Cup" football, "Strong of Ukraine", "I am your hand" and others. According to the results of the performances, the best athletes with disabilities represent our country at international level competitions, such as the Invictus Games.

Online complementary interventions for the development of social communication in children during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

For elementary school children, engaging in diverse communication experiences with peers of varying ages during free play is crucial for developing social adaptability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented interruption to this learning process, as the new school year in Japan, which typically starts in April, began with widespread school closures. A novel intervention was implemented to address the ongoing societal constraints of the &amp;ldquo;stay-at-home&amp;rdquo; mandate and the uncertainty surrounding its duration. This intervention aimed to facilitate and promote peer communication while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection. It utilized then-unfamiliar Internet-based conferencing systems on Children&amp;rsquo;s Day, 1 month into the new school year. We explored two main analytical aspects to enhance the efficacy of this communication method: first, the types of play proposed by children that attracted the highest participation from unfamiliar peers; second, the duration of participation and communication, particularly regarding age and gender differences. Remarkably, despite only 2 days&amp;rsquo; notice, 15 children aged 4 &amp;ndash; 14 from five different, previously unknown communities located 1,000 km apart participated enthusiastically. In the first investigation, 12 types of play were introduced by the children. The most engaging activities included collaborative drawing on a shared online whiteboard and a scavenger hunt for specified objects. Notably, older children participated significantly longer in the online presenter&amp;rsquo;s activities, while younger children preferred to play within their own community. This study proposes that online conferencing can facilitate social interaction among children during pandemics. The intervention successfully fostered collaborative play among children of varying ages and from distant locations. In addition, the findings indicate the necessity to adjust the quality and focus of interventions based on age-specific psychological development. Further verification with more implementation examples and a larger participant pool is required.