Adaptive training

Post-prosthetic rehabilitation through wellness and adaptive physical training

Experts: Yuliia Koval, Oksana Holovko, Andrii Bobyliak, +5

The body changes after an amputation — and training must change too. This is the educational series about adaptive training created by the Games of Heroes team. Adaptive coach Yuliia Koval and veterans who have gone through this journey explain what adaptive training is and how to start exercising at home:

- why traditional exercises may no longer work
- how to prevent chronic back pain
- how training strengthens the intact limb
- how adaptive methods improve recovery after injury

The series includes 8 practical episodes that cover:


- how to train safely after amputation or severe injury
- exercises for various types of posture
- specialized programs for individuals with upper/lower limb amputations
- training for wheelchair users
- safe starting points for any fitness level
- the importance of family support and self-discipline

Who this is for:


- veterans beginning their recovery journey
- families supporting loved ones
- adaptive trainers and rehabilitation specialists
- anyone seeking a safe way to start recovery after amputation


The series was created by the Games of Heroes team with the support of the Kharkiv With You Charitable Foundation.

Format:
Education series
EKTS:
0.1
Languages:
Ukrainian, English
Topic:
Veterans support and reintegration
For:
for military personnel, for active citizens, for young people, for adults

Skills:

Activating residual limb muscles in resistance exercises
Correcting common posture errors through basic drills
Designing safe workouts after amputation
Developing a safe strength base after amputation
Independently performing adaptive exercises
Maintaining shoulder joint mobility
Organizing a home training environment
Performing exercises to strengthen shoulders and back
Performing spinal stabilization exercises
Planning a safe training routine
Practicing wheelchair maneuvering and balance training
Restoring symmetry in shoulder girdle mechanics
Strengthening functional body zones after limb loss
Strengthening residual limb muscles
Building a personal motivation system
Communicating with a coach during online sessions
Establishing partnership-based rehab interaction
Providing emotional support without overprotection
Setting personalized goals in adaptive training

Program

Get started

The body changes after amputation — and so must the training. Adaptive trainer Yuliia Koval and veterans explain why standard workouts don’t work, how to avoid chronic back pain, why it’s crucial to strengthen the intact limb, and how adaptive training helps restore function and independence. These are practical tips, exercises, and experiences from those who’ve already been there. Watch to start the right way — at home, with minimal equipment.
After an amputation, the body changes dramatically. Posture shifts, pain appears in the back, neck, and joints, the heart becomes overloaded, and mobility declines. This episode explains why adaptive workouts help prevent these consequences. We explore how the body reacts to different amputation types, why regular exercises may cause harm, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to safely begin at home. Veterans and trainers share proven solutions.
Does support from loved ones really affect recovery? In this episode, veterans, their families, trainers, and a psychologist speak openly. Not about pity — but real support. How to be present without being controlling. How a cup of coffee after a workout can shift the entire recovery journey. Because the road to independence often starts with one simple thing: someone believing in you. This episode is for those who are there and want to support meaningfully.

Invited experts

Yuliia Koval
Oksana Holovko
Andrii Bobyliak
Roman Kashpur