On 16–17 June 2026, the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Health of the Educational and Scientific Institute “Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology” of USUST held the defense of qualification projects by fourth-year full-time students of the 017 “Physical Culture and Sports” specialty enrolled in the “Physical Rehabilitation” educational programme.

The defense marked the culmination of several years of study and training, during which future specialists demonstrated a high level of professional competencies, practical skills, and the ability to apply modern scientific approaches to addressing current challenges in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The Examination Board included leading researchers and practitioners in the field. The department expresses its sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the Examination Board, Maksym Yelisieiev, founder and director of the MAXKIN Physical Therapy Center, for his professional evaluation of the qualification projects, constructive recommendations, and support of future specialists.

The topics of the qualification projects covered current areas of modern physical rehabilitation and were aimed at introducing effective rehabilitation technologies into professional practice.

Among the projects that attracted particular attention from the members of the Examination Board was the qualification project by Maryna Kennedy entitled “Improving Physical Rehabilitation Methods for Rotator Cuff Injuries”, supervised by Lina Sokolova, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Health. The study proposed a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation of patients with shoulder injuries, combining modern physical therapy techniques with practical rehabilitation protocols.

Another highly praised project was “Specific Features of Physical Rehabilitation Following Patellar Tendon Injury” by Yuliia Yevdokova, supervised by Oksana Ivchenko, Candidate of Sciences in Physical Education and Sports and Associate Professor. The author developed and scientifically substantiated a comprehensive physical rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring knee joint function, improving motor control, increasing range of motion, and preventing quadriceps muscle atrophy.

Equally noteworthy was the project by Tetiana Humenna, “Application of Pilates Exercises in the Rehabilitation and Prevention of Exacerbations of Lumbar Osteochondrosis”, supervised by Senior Lecturer Alla Kyrychenko. The study examined the effectiveness of Pilates-based exercises in the physical therapy of patients with lumbar spine disorders. The results confirmed the potential of this approach in reducing pain, improving spinal function, and preventing recurrent exacerbations of the condition.

Over the course of the two-day defense sessions, the students confidently presented the results of their research, answered questions from the members of the Examination Board, and demonstrated their ability to analyze scientific data, provide well-reasoned conclusions, and propose modern solutions to current challenges in physical rehabilitation.

The high level of preparation demonstrated by the graduates confirmed the effectiveness of the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Health and the successful integration of theoretical knowledge with practical training.

We sincerely congratulate the graduates on the successful defense of their qualification projects and wish them continued professional growth, new achievements, inspiration, and successful careers in the fields of physical therapy and rehabilitation. May the knowledge and skills they have acquired serve as a solid foundation for their future professional activities and enable them to help people restore their health and improve their quality of life.