VOLLEYBALL AS A KEY COMPONENT OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS IN THE SOCIALIZATION OF WAR VETERANS

Abstract

The article aims to investigate the impact of volleyball (specifically, sitting/adapted volleyball) as a component of adaptive sports programs for the social, physical, and psychological adaptation of war veterans. The materials review of key theoretical approaches and empirical research on the impact of adaptive sports on the quality of life, mental health, and social integration of veterans was conducted. Based on the review, a structured program of adaptive volleyball classes is proposed, as well as criteria for evaluating and monitoring results (physical, psychosocial, functional). The study involved 38 war veterans. 18 war veterans from the city of Rivne – the main group (OG) and 20 war veterans from the Vinnytsia community – the control group (CG).The following research methods were used: literature review, studies with pre- and post-testing, standardized questionnaires for assessing quality of life and psychological state, assessment tools: physical indicators (arm strength test (kg) – dynamometry; endurance test – adapted 6-minute movement test (m); coordination test – “figure 8” in sitting or standing version (s));psychological indicators (PHQ-9 – depressive symptoms, PCL-5 – PTSD symptoms); social integration (social activity scale (0–10 points). Measurements were taken before and after the 12-week program.

The results indicate that sitting volleyball is a unified and standardized type of adaptive volleyball with international rules and proven suitability for people with physical injuries (amputees, spinal cord injuries, etc.). Empirical research indicates positive effects of participation in adaptive sports for veterans, particularly in the areas of social integration and mental health. A comprehensive 12-week adaptive volleyball training program was developed, using individual participation trajectories that took into account the level of functional capabilities, existing injuries, psycho-emotional state, and motivational factors – it provided a statistically significant improvement in the physical parameters of veterans. In the EG, a significant increase in arm strength (+6.3 kg; p < 0.01), improvement in aerobic endurance (+70 m; p < 0.01) and increased coordination abilities (–3.5 s; p < 0.01) were recorded. In the CG, changes were minimal and statistically insignificant, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed program. Psychological indicators of the EG participants also demonstrate a pronounced positive effect of the intervention. Depression levels decreased by 6.2 points (p < 0.01), and PTSD symptoms by 14.8 points (p < 0.01). In the CG, similar changes were insignificant and statistically insignificant. Social interaction measures suggest that adaptive volleyball promotes increased social activity, engagement, and a sense of community support. The increase in the EG was +3.2 points (p < 0.01), while there was almost no change in the CG. Conclusions. The totality of the obtained results confirms that adaptive volleyball is an effective tool of multidimensional rehabilitation, as it simultaneously affects the physical, psychoemotional and social components of recovery. It is advisable to use it as a key element of adaptive sports programs for war veterans. The high statistical significance of the obtained results (p < 0.01) indicates the reliability, reproducibility, and practical value of the applied physical impact program.