ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Background. Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of oncological morbidity among women in both the Russian Federation and globally. While the BC mortality rate is declining due to significant advances in modern therapy, an increasing number of survivors require long-term rehabilitation for lymphedema, pain, and cognitive and psychological impairment. Compared with other countries, a quantitative assessment of the need for BC rehabilitation in Russia in comparison remains insufficient.
Objective: To assess the dynamics of non-fatal burden of BC in women in Russia and compare the results with indicators from Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland, Finland, and Czechia (1990–2021), while also providing a forecast up to 2030.
Material and methods. Secondary analysis of open data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) and Global Сancer Statistics (GLOBOCAN) 2022 was conducted. The study examined rates of years lived with disability (YLD) per 100,000 people, categorized by age group (15–49, 50–69, ≥70, and all ages), as well as the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR). The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated for the period from 1990 to 2021. A forecast was compiled for 2030 using the EAPC extrapolation method.
Results. Over the period from 1990 to 2021, the YLD for BC increased in all analyzed countries. Poland and Russia experienced the largest relative increases (+96.2% and +84.4%, respectively), whereas Kazakhstan demonstrated the smallest increase (+9.1%). The absolute YLD value in Russia (60.86 per 100,000) is substantially lower than in Germany (142.24) and Finland (129.36). Combined with a lower five-year survival rate (65% vs. 85–87%), this reflects a “rehabilitation accumulation deficit”. In the 50–69 age group, Russia shows continued YLD growth while Western European countries demonstrate stabilization. By 2030, the YLD rate in Russia is expected to reach 72.7 per 100,000, with an annual EAPC of +2.0%.
Conclusion. In Russia, rehabilitation needs for BC survivors are rapidly increasing. Meanwhile, the existing rehabilitation infrastructure fails to adequately address the growing number of non-fatal cases. Therefore, a scaled-up version of the German model adapted to Russian conditions is required.
Background. Psychological factors that influence the vocational guidance of patients with traumatic lower limb amputations due to combat injuries are a highly significant and relevant research area. Implementing measures aimed at orienting patients to work activities at an early stage allows for continuity between the medical and social stages of rehabilitation. Additionally, these patients become self-motivated to undergo treatment as a means of returning to work.
Objective: To identify the characteristics of vocational interests and motivation in patients with combat-related lower limb amputations who are undergoing the second stage of medical rehabilitation.
Material and methods. The study included 850 individuals who participated in the Special Military Operation. Following surgical treatment for combat wounds that resulted in the traumatic amputation of their lower extremities, the patients entered the second stage of medical rehabilitation. Designed as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, this stage took place at the Goluboe Medical Scientific and Practical Center of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency. All participants had sustained combat-related injuries resulting in traumatic lower limb amputation and had completed the surgical phase of treatment. The age of respondents ranged from 19 to 64 years (37.8±10.9 years). Methods included Gerchikov motivation test, an express method for identifying sports motivation (developed by G.V. Lozovaya), and the test of vocational interests/inclinations by L.A. Yovaisha, as modified by G. Rezapkina. Additionally, cluster analysis (K-means) and Student's t-test were employed.
Results. Two types of motivation were identified: low (Cluster 1) and high (Cluster 2) overall motivational levels. They differed primarily in the extent to which the patients assessed their motivation toward various aspects of activity. Motivation to engage in physical therapy exercises or walking is the primary type of activity in rehabilitation programs. Therefore, the level of motivation in these activities can affect perceptions and aspirations regarding professional employment (based on the unity of mental life assumption). Patients in Cluster 2 demonstrate higher scores on the Professional, Patriotic, and Master (оwner) scales. These findings may serve as a foundation for developing individualized vocational guidance programs. Patients in Cluster 1 tend to exhibit Lumpenized motivation, defined as a passive attitude, minimal work effort, and avoidance of responsibility.
Conclusion. In the long term, vocational guidance support programs may contribute to the successful resocialization of combat veterans. Furthermore, implementing vocational guidance activities during the medical stage of rehabilitation facilitates an individualized approach to patients while introducing the concept of future professional fulfillment.
REVIEW ARTICLES
Background. Myelodysplasia, or spina bifida, is one of the most severe congenital malformations. Individuals with myelodysplasia experience lifelong disability; therefore, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach is required. However, developing effective rehabilitation programs remains challenging due to the lack of uniform standards and limited evidence base.
Objective: To systematically review current data on comprehensive rehabilitation methods for children with myelodysplasia, evaluate the level of evidence, and identify key areas of intervention.
Material and methods. A total of 30 literature sources were analyzed, including clinical guidelines, recommendations, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and original articles published in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka databases between 2011 and 2025. The literature search and data analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro and GRADE scales.
Results. A multidisciplinary approach based on the International Classification of Functioning provides the standard for patient care. Four key areas of rehabilitation have been identified: 1) physical therapy, including treadmill training, vibration therapy, and staged casting, has moderate evidence of effectiveness – new prospective studies confirm the positive effects of wholebody vibration on lower-limb hemodynamics and contracture reduction; 2) neurourological rehabilitation – intermittent catheterization (level A) and electrical stimulation improve urodynamic parameters, as demonstrated by a meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n=147); 3) orthopedic correction based primarily on clinical consensus; 4) development of self-help skills – a 2–5-year developmental delay has been revealed, the effectiveness of camp-based interventions and the positive impact of mobile apps in this area have been demonstrated. Nevertheless, the number of high-quality RCTs is extremely limited.
Conclusion. Children with myelodysplasia should receive early, multidisciplinary rehabilitation focused on the long-term development of functional independence. Fetal surgery, photobiomodulation, and behavioral technologies are promising areas that require further study. To improve the quality of the evidence base, intervention protocols should be standardized in addition to establishing national registries.
Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is a multisystem condition that develops after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. More than 200 variants of PCS symptoms affect virtually all organ systems and persist for over three months. PCS prevalence among individuals who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from 3% to 12%. This review aims to systematize current approaches to PCS rehabilitation, emphasizing multidisciplinary and personalized strategies. Brief information on the pathophysiology of the condition is provided, focusing on viral persistence, immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Rehabilitation approaches are discussed in terms of multidisciplinary management, the principles of human factors engineering, and the concept of treatable traits. Rehabilitation methods covered include physical rehabilitation using the Pacing strategy, respiratory and cognitive rehabilitation, psychological support, management of autonomic dysfunction, telerehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, and nutritional support. A literature search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and eLibrary databases for the period from January 2020 to March 2026, using the following keywords and their combinations: “post-COVID-19 condition”, “long COVID”, “post-COVID syndrome”, “rehabilitation”, “multidisciplinary approach”, “exercise therapy”, “pacing”, “cognitive rehabilitation”, “autonomic dysfunction”, and “post-exertional malaise”. Clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published in Russian and English were included, with priority given to publications from the last five years
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Due to the decline in mortality during the acute phase of the disease, an increasing number of patients experience long-term complications such as postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). These complications significantly reduce patients' quality of life while imposing a substantial economic burden. This article therefore argues for a paradigm shift in VTE patient management, from treating the acute condition to managing the chronic disease with a continuous rehabilitation process. The phases of the disease (acute, subacute, and chronic), which determine the nature of rehabilitation interventions, are thoroughly discussed. The stages of medical rehabilitation are outlined, along with the structure and functions of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Particular attention is paid to personalized rehabilitation approaches in various clinical scenarios, such as following a pulmonary embolism, severe PTS with trophic ulcers, CTEPH, as well as in oncology patients, pregnant women, the elderly, athletes and individuals with an implanted vena cava filter. Emerging prospects include cellular technologies, artificial intelligence for risk prediction and telemedicine to improve treatment adherence. However, key organizational barriers remain, primarily limited access to rehabilitation services and a lack of standardized protocols. Hence, integrating rehabilitation as an essential component throughout all stages of VTE patient management not only prevents disabling complications, but also restores functional status, ensuring psychosocial adaptation and improving quality of life for these patients.
Globally, malignant neoplasms remain one of the most significant medical and social issues due to their increasing incidence.
Meanwhile, advances in early diagnosis and treatment methods have resulted in higher rates of long-term or complete remission among patients. Thus, medical rehabilitation for cancer patients becomes an important and relevant concern. As part of the modern treatment of malignant tumors, surgical intervention is often accompanied by systemic drug therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Despite their high efficacy, these methods may result in long-term functional impairments. The most common complications include reduced physical activity, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and other conditions that decrease patients’ quality of life. Recent studies emphasize the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in medicine, including rehabilitation. Machine learning algorithms, biomedical data analysis systems, wearable devices, and digital platforms make it possible to monitor patients' conditions, thus individualizing rehabilitation programs. These technologies are therefore considered a promising approach to improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients after anticancer treatment. This review discusses current approaches to using AI technologies to rehabilitate cancer patients after treatment. Particularly, it covers digital monitoring, telerehabilitation, systems for analyzing motor activity, and cognitive rehabilitation. The review also outlines prospects for further developing these technologies.
In recent years, diseases of the musculoskeletal system in Russia have ranked fourth in prevalence. These disorders are characterized by a substantial negative impact on patients’ quality of life and may lead to disability when timely and appropriately selected rehabilitation is not provided. This narrative review summarizes the major groups of musculoskeletal disorders, outlines key features of patient recovery associated with these conditions, and discusses the principal rehabilitation strategies. Publications evaluating the feasibility of exercise, massage, physiotherapy, and adjuvant medication were analyzed. In addition, emerging research directions in restorative medicine for musculoskeletal disorders were considered. Overall, the available evidence indicates that most of the reviewed rehabilitation interventions demonstrate a favorable safety profile and high effectiveness. However, several conservative rehabilitation approaches and advanced technologies in restorative medicine still require large-scale clinical trials to support their integration into routine clinical practice in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine.
ISSN 2949-5881 (Online)