Decreased activities of daily living (ADL) performance and quality of life (QOL) are common in cancer patients undergoing treatment; however, the impact of the cancer experience is also often detrimental to individuals serving in a caregiver role. Research points to positive outcomes for cancer caregivers who participate in exercise interventions; however, data related to interventions occurring during treatment are scant. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of individualized prescriptive exercise on ADL performance and QOL in a population of cancer caregivers whose loved one was undergoing chemotherapy, relative to a group of controls not participating in structured exercise while serving in a caregiver role. METHODS: Group E (n = 11) were individuals caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy. They were assigned to an exercise specialist who constructed and supervised two exercise sessions per week spanning the 12-week exercise intervention. The exercise program was based on each participant’s medical profile, initial fitness status, and quality of life goals. Exercise sessions were approximately an hour in length and were comprised of a combination of aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercise. Group C (n = 9) were also individuals caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy, however they did not participate in any structured exercise. Prior to (as chemo was beginning) and following the intervention all participants were assessed on sit and stand, stair climb/descent, and lift and carry (all tests were timed). Pre and post measurements were also taken of QOL, exercise enjoyment, social support, and fatigue. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed significant improvement for group E on sit to stand (-2.1 s; p = 0.041), stair climb/descent (-5.3 s; p = 0.002), QOL (+3.4; p = 0.040) and exercise enjoyment (+4.5; p = 0.033). Scores for group C did not change on any variables except for declines in lift and carry (+8.7 s; p = 0.021), QOL (-2.3; p = 0.001), and fatigue (+1.2; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that prescribed exercise has a positive influence ADL performance, as well as QOL and exercise enjoyment in cancer caregivers. The data also show that ADL performance, QOL, and fatigue levels suffer in caregivers not participating in regular physical activity. These findings will hopefully translate into greater attention paid to this oft neglected population.