Intra-Sessional Autonomic Arc Detection Using Continuous HRV and EDA Monitoring in Adults Undergoing Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: A Prospective Observational Signal Characterisation Pilot Study

Inclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 19 to 65 years 2. Currently enrolled in or referred for equine-assisted therapy at the study facility 3. No prior relationship with the therapy horse assigned to their study sessions 4. Able to wear a chest-strap heart rate monitor comfortably for 35 minutes 5. Able to provide written informed consent in English 6. Willing to have sessions video recorded for research purposes Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia of any type 2. Implanted cardiac device including pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator 3. Current use of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, or any other medication known to suppress or significantly alter heart rate variability 4. Active psychosis or acute psychiatric crisis at time of enrolment 5. Inability to provide written informed consent 6. Pregnancy 7. Prior participation in this study under a different horse pairing