Canadian company unveils the world’s first physiological prayer mat

By staff reporter

Specialists call it the ‘Arab knee.’

Many people, particularly Muslims, in the Arab world often suffer from degenerative knee and joint problems earlier and much more often than people in other parts of the world.

Experts say this is often due to cultural and lifestyle differences such as kneeling for prayer and sitting cross-legged during social occasions and gatherings. Paired with the soaring obesity crisis in the region, these issues have led to a surge in knee-replacement surgeries.

“If you are kneeling several times a day for the whole of your life, you are putting a huge strain on a joint that is not designed for that,” Dr Peter Birch, a surgeon at Abu Dhabi’s Mafraq Hospital, told BBC.

After five years of extensive research, Canadian company, Timez5, claims to have come up with a solution with the world’s first physiological Islamic prayer mat. Made with five different layers that allow for weight distribution and support for posture, the prayer mat is gentler on the knees and joints.

Nader Sabri, chief executive of Timez5 explains the technology behind the mat:

How did the idea come up for such a prayer mat?

We have conducted five years’ of intensive research and development in the areas of ergonomics, physiology and biomechanics that are specific to the Muslim lifestyle. Our early findings that shaped our developments had shown that:

1.    Those who regularly meditate are fundamentally different
2.    The physical challenges they face over time are different
3.    And their incentives for physical health is predominately spiritual

Hence, this is what we call the physio-spiritual experience which is the hallmark of our brand.

How does it work exactly?

We have a patented five-layer system designed to respond to the specific weight, motion, and postures of the user. It all starts with the counter-force of the body and then all the layers activate. The magic happens in the middle three layers. The top of the three layers absorbs body weight while the bottom one does the exact opposite. When the two are working the transfer grid in the middle adjusts the absorption and bearing functions according to the weight, motion and posture. At the top of the mat is an anti-bacterial surface and the bottom is an anti-slip grip to prevent slippage.

What are the benefits of such a mat?
We have been successful in helping people with severe cases like sports injuries, chronic and acute knee, back and neck pain and those with posture problems. We also conduct our Muslim physiology courses that help our customers become more aware of their physiology and how to overcome common issues.

Who is this suitable for?

This is suitable to a variety of people including:
1.    Elderly who have physiological challenges
2.    Young people seeking a proactive lifestyle
3.    Those seeking a more comfortable experience overall
4.    Those who have other forms of meditation rituals but don’t have a solution

Eighty per cent of our users are women; several pregnant women have also adopted usage of the product both during and after pregnancy. Most customers purchase their first mat as a gift for a loved one such as their mothers and later the whole family adopts the technology.

Where is it available and how much does it cost?

The product retails for $300 in the UAE and is available via our website at www.timez5.com.

Can this also be used for yoga?

It can be used for yoga meditation but not yoga exercises. We have several customers who practice yoga and use the product as well.