Endurance training from aerobic exercise is an important component in the management of symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment and in the rehabilitation of people following treatment for cancer (Gerber & Augustine, 2000; Pinto &Maruyama, 1999; Friendenreich & Courneya, 1996). Research has linked aerobic exercise training with several specific benefits for people with cancer. These benefits include diminished signs and symptoms of distress and improved physical function. Improvements experienced by people with cancer from aerobic exercise training include reductions in fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and depression and improvements in self-esteem, physical activity, and weight control (Pinto & Maruyama, 1999; Friendenreich & Courneya, 1996; Dimeo, et al., 1997; Dimeo, et al., 1998; Dimeo, et al., 1999; Segar, et al., 1998; Pfalzer, 1989; Pfalzer, 1988; Mock, et al., 1997; Winningham, et al., 1989; Winningham & MacVicar, 1988; MacVicar, et al. 1989).

Although traditional recommendations for people with cancer include rest and reduction in physical activity, limiting activity appears to contribute to a deterioration of function and a worsening of signs and symptoms related to cancer and its treatments (Ream & Richardson, 1999; Dimeo, et al., 1998). Interestingly, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training has been shown to benefit people with cancer through the various stages of treatment, recovery, remission, and palliative care (Dimeo, et al., 1999; Dimeo et al., 1997; Dimeo, et al., 1997; Segar et al., 1998; Mock, et al., 1997; Sayre and Marcoux, 1992; Pfalzer, 1989; Pfalzer, 1988; Winningham, et al., 1989; Winningham and MacVicar, 1988; Winningham, et al., 1988).