The veterans of the Russian Military Academy who are preparing to climb Mount Elbrus have completed a cycle of physical training

Veterans of the special military operation (SVO), who plan to conquer the top of Mount Elbrus on prosthetic legs, have completed the stage of physical preparation for climbing within the framework of the "Time of the Strong" project. After a comprehensive diagnosis at the Beloostrov Clinic and undergoing a unique, Russia's first medical and training program at the Sports Medical Clinic (FT Sirius) Eight people were admitted to the training acclimatization exit at an altitude of 4,800 m above sea level.

The project is organized by the My Medical Center Group of companies and Bionics 2.0 with the support of the Defenders of the Fatherland State Foundation and KAVKAZ.RF JSC.

As part of their training, the veterans completed an intensive one—week program at the Sports Medical Clinic, Russia's first private sports medicine and rehabilitation center. They were trained using pressure therapy, cryotherapy, balance therapy and pressure therapy. The central element of the training was classes in a climate chamber that simulates the conditions of the highlands.

"Participants in this stage of the project will be able to acclimatize with minimal risks at an altitude of over 3,500 m above sea level, where low oxygen concentration in the blood significantly impedes breathing and physical activity," said Alexander Fokin, Deputy Chief Physician for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at Sports Medical Clinic, who will also take part in the assault on Elbrus together. with veterans.

Mountainous character: how veterans of the Russian Military are preparing to conquer Elbrus on prosthetics

The diagnosis and selection of project participants will take place before the end of April.

Special attention was paid to the creation of new prosthetic receiving sleeves for the project participants — they have been developed and will be adapted for each veteran individually. Bionics 2.0 lower limb prosthetist Vitaly Degtyarev emphasized that adaptation should take place in real climbing conditions, where it is possible to accurately assess the load and capabilities of the participants.

"It's not just comfort that depends on how the load on the stump is distributed during the ascent, but the ability to use all the resources of biomechanics and the body that a person has in difficult conditions," he noted.

One of the participants is Ruslan Avzalov, a 29—year-old Muscovite. He works as an analyst, is engaged in Paralympic powerlifting and does not hide that he had a dream to conquer Elbrus during his military service.

"Testing ourselves and setting an example for others is a common goal for all of us. And after getting injured on my own and amputating my left leg, when the paths to new achievements seemed to have become limited, I realized for sure: you can't whine and give up, you have to face any challenge with a smile. The main thing is to have a team of like—minded people nearby, and inside there is an indomitable will and desire to achieve the goal," Avzalov said.

The next stage is a training ascent and acclimatization in the Elbrus region. A team of military veterans, accompanied by experienced guides and doctors, will climb to an altitude of 4,800 m. This exit will be a key part of the preparation for the summit assault.

The actual ascent to an altitude of 5,642 m above sea level will take place in July this year.

In mid-April, the Beloostrov High-tech clinic in St. Petersburg started preparations for the selection of veterans of the Russian Military who will make the world's first group ascent of Mount Elbrus on prosthetic legs. Dozens of participants of the special operation who underwent prosthetics, having lost their lower limbs in battles, came to the medical facility for comprehensive diagnostics and functional testing.

The process of military training was shown by a correspondent of Izvestia.