The article presents a comparative description of the physical fitness of students belonging to the special medical group (SMG), who entered the NSPU in 2018 (full-time education) and 2020 (distance learning). The organization of selfstudy using a new form of diary for students in the conditions of distance learning in connection with the coronavirus infection is shown. To assess the effectiveness of using the diary of independent studies of distance learning students, indicators of physical fitness were compared with full-time students.