Adaptive physical culture, its directions, types, and means used are an effective form of health improvement. The article deals with the problem of improving the effectiveness of the preparation of complex programs of the special medical Department of state educational institutions of higher professional education, using adaptive physical culture. The scientific approach to the application of various directions and types of adaptive physical culture in the educational process is justified. The main requirements for the organization and conduct of classes, the sequence of application of traditional and non-traditional health-improving areas of physical culture are outlined. The paper provides recommendations for determining the intensity zones of muscle activity involved. The article contains a description of methods for determining the maximum oxygen consumption (an indicator of the adequacy of physical activity), determining the functional class. Adaptive physical culture is a factor of social adaptation of students with poor health. Recommendations on the use of educational measures are given.