E-mailed interview

I’ve been exploring the benefits of exercise, specifically cycling, for those that picked up the hobby later in the game. Most of the people I’m speaking to were previously inactive or unathletic adults that began to ride as a way to slowly get in shape. Reading and research has also led to my exploration of theories on exercise aiding in the recovery and strengthening of cancer patients coping with the effects of chemotherapy. I hope to acquire answers to the following questions and find a correlation between those who exercise routinely and those that recover from disease.

These are my general research questions:
Aside from the obvious strengthening of the heart, does cardiovascular activity help fight disease? Does it increase the function of any key muscles or organs needed to fight diseases? Does cycling, in general, better equip those prone to (or already suffering from) cancers and other diseases for a fight?

Questions for Janet Karanevich-Dono:

How long have you been practicing as an APN?

I am a newly licensed APN. I received my degree in August 2008 and my license in September 2009.

Can you explain why you had back surgery, how long the recovery process was, and what types of exercises you routinely performed as a means of physical therapy?

I had back surgery to correct a condition called spondylolithesis and spinal stenosis. I was in constant pain and had reticulopathy, which can result in permanent loss of function and muscle weakness to my lower extremities. The recovery process was long. The first four months is when the fusion process takes place.

The full recovery happens in about one year. I began my exercise routine with walking – beginning two weeks post-op. I began with about 1/4 mile walking daily. NO bending, twisting or lifting was recommended for the first three months. I was not allowed to have physical therapy until after the three-month mark. At about the eighth week, I began gentle cycling on the stationary (not spin) bikes at the gym. I felt this improved my mood, and aided in circulating the necessary immune cells to aid in my recovery. It also aided in improving my muscle strength, which was somewhat decreased from the lengthy operative time (The surgery was approximately six – seven hours long, requiring a lot of anesthesia). I also used small hand weights to improve the tone of my upper body. I felt I needed to do all of this to aide in my recovery and to not lose all that I accomplished over the years.

Why do you continue to exercise routinely?

I continue to exercise routinely because it makes me feel good. I feel strong; it gives me energy. I feel a sense of belonging to a group and I enjoy the health benefits of not being ill often. My back also feels better after exercise.

Why is cycling your preferred choice of exercise?

Cycling is my choice of exercise because you get a tremendous workout without too much exertion. I feel it does not put strain or pressure on my back and it has many cardiovascular benefits, as well. I feel it is a safe way of exercising.

As an APN, would you recommend cycling as a means for exercise for the out-of-shape adult? Why or why not?

I think cycling can benefit those that are out of shape tremendously. I would recommend it as a means of exercising. It can be modified to meet the needs of anyone looking to begin an exercise program. As with beginning any exercise program, one must be seen by a physician first. The benefits to cycling for the out of shape adult are an increase in strength, endurance, socialization and mood improvement.

Do you think cycling could be prescribed as way for patients suffering from other diseases to achieve a better quality of life or faster recovery process? If so, can you name any specific diseases that would seem obvious to you as an APN?

I think cycling can have many benefits to most diseases. I think it can be suggested, over prescribed or recommended into a physical therapy program. Any autoimmune disorder would benefit from cycling because cycling improves circulation, which improves the circulation of immune responses. The immune system circulates by muscle contractions so you have dual benefits from cycling. Muscle contractions from the actual spinning activity stimulate an increase in contractions. This can apply to cancer patients, who need a healthy, well-boosted immune system.

What are the benefits of cycling? (ie; muscle development and strengthening)Can any of these benefits help fight disease or help those already suffering recover from disease?

The benefits of cycling are numerous: increased muscle development and strengthening, improved immune response, improved healing ability – related to improvement in immune response, increased metabolism, increased mood, and increased balance from core strengthening on the bike.

Janet Karanevich-Dono is an Advanced Practice Nurse [APN] working for the Woodbridge Township School District. Janet has an M.S. in Nursing and general knowledge of human anatomy and normal muscle function. Her own experiences with physical therapy and exercise treatment have proved invaluable to my research. She exercised diligently prior to back surgery, after which she worked toward building upon her original exercise routines during physical therapy. Janet remains focused on physical fitness and nutrition.

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