This study examines whether a continuous wearable biosensor and a proprietary signal detection algorithm (JungleCODE, Open Medicine Studio) can detect and characterise the autonomic nervous system arc - a trajectory from a state of high physiological arousal (aporia) to a state of regulated calm (ataraxia) - during ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) sessions in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Participants independently arrange their own ketamine-assisted therapy sessions with a licensed British Columbia provider. The researcher does not administer ketamine or any other substance. The researcher's role is continuous physiological monitoring via a wrist-worn biosensor (EmbracePlus, Empatica) and a structured post-session interview only.
The primary purpose is to determine whether the JungleCODE arc-position detection algorithm can identify a consistent, characterisable autonomic trajectory within KAT sessions, and to assess the feasibility of this monitoring protocol. This is a pilot signal characterisation study (N=2-6); no therapeutic outcomes are assessed and no clinical claims are made.
Adults aged 19 to 65 years
Currently enrolled in or referred for equine-assisted therapy at the study facility
No prior relationship with the therapy horse assigned to their study sessions
Able to wear a chest-strap heart rate monitor comfortably for 35 minutes
Diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia of any type
Implanted cardiac device including pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Current use of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, or any other medication known to suppress or significantly alter heart rate variability
Active psychosis or acute psychiatric crisis at time of enrolment
Adriaan Dirk van der Wart
Lead sponsor
Dr. Adriaan van der Wart Medical Corp.
Sponsor institution