Rehabilitation physician and medical sciences candidate Alexander Shishonin discussed a comprehensive set of exercises that could help figure skater Roman Kostomarov sustain his physical condition before receiving a prosthesis. Media outlets reported that Kostomarov faced serious health challenges, including the amputation of shins and one hand due to gangrene. The remarks shared by the doctor were featured on the program Arguments and Facts, underscoring the medical perspective on athletic rehabilitation after major loss.
According to Shishonin, when limbs are amputated, it is not sufficient to wait passively for a prosthetic limb to be fitted and for the patient to adapt to the new mechanics. The process begins much sooner, with an active regimen designed to maintain balance, control, and overall body awareness in a context where sensory feedback from the feet is absent. He emphasizes daily routines lasting from 30 to 60 minutes, focusing on floor-based movements performed in a prone position or on all fours. These exercises help stabilize the torso, train posture, and cultivate proprioception, which are crucial when the body reorganizes motor patterns after limb loss.
Core strengthening remains essential, yet it is not limited to the abdominal area. The regimen includes targeted activities such as push-up variations performed on the knees to engage the core, chest, and shoulder girdle while also contributing to cardiovascular endurance and respiratory efficiency. The goal is to build a stable platform from which the skater can perform more complex tasks once prosthetic fitting occurs, minimizing the risk of compensatory injuries and promoting better stamina during rehabilitation sessions.
Shishonin also recommended practicing with a specially designed crossbar. This equipment allows for the execution of acrobatic elements and push-ups in a controlled setting, enabling the athlete to rehearse coordination and upper-body strength without needing to stand on the lower limbs. The crossbar height is chosen to suit the amputee’s current abilities, allowing the performer to complete exercises while seated on the floor. This approach helps preserve a sense of movement fluidity, which is often disrupted after amputation and can be reinforced through repeated, purposeful practice in a safe environment.
Through careful programming, such training can accelerate the restoration of motor coordination and enhance cardiovascular and respiratory function. By reinforcing these systems, Kostomarov may experience improved tolerance to prosthetic devices and smoother integration of future mobility aids into his daily routine. The emphasis on congruent development across the trunk, arms, and core hinges on creating a harmonious movement pattern that supports both athletic performance and long-term health, reducing the likelihood of overcompensation injuries as the rehabilitation progresses. This holistic approach aligns with contemporary best practices in post-amputation conditioning and sports medicine, reflecting a commitment to maintaining athletic identity while adapting to new physical realities.
Previously, the doctor elaborated on Kostomarov’s remarkable recovery after a period of several months with limited activity, highlighting the potential for meaningful gains even after substantial downtime. The pathway to rehabilitation in his case combines precise physical training with psychological resilience, encouraging the skater to stay motivated and focused on incremental milestones. The medical team’s philosophy centers on preserving independence, promoting confidence in movement, and preparing the body for the eventual mechanics of prosthetic use, all while supporting Kostomarov’s broader goals as a high-performance athlete.
At the heart of this program lies a simple truth: deliberate, well-structured exercise can shape both the body and the mind in ways that matter most for life after limb loss. The patient’s journey illustrates how a blend of core strengthening, balance work on stable surfaces, upper-body conditioning, and carefully calibrated adaptive tools can lay the groundwork for a future in which prosthetic technology becomes a trusted ally in daily activity and athletic pursuit. The approach also serves as a template for other athletes facing similar transitions, demonstrating how medical expertise and sports science can converge to sustain performance, dignity, and purpose in the face of serious injury. Attribution: Rehabilitation doctor Alexander Shishonin discussed these recommendations on the program Arguments and Facts, conveying expert medical guidance for post-amputation rehabilitation.