The Effect of Body Awareness Level on Shoulder Functionality and Psychological Factors in Rotator Cuff Pathologies

Rotator cuff syndrome is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition and the most common cause of shoulder pain. It typically begins with tendonitis and may progress to partial or complete tendon rupture due to subacromial space narrowing or overuse. Its incidence increases with age and is more common in women, often resulting in significant functional loss, reduced shoulder mobility, and lower quality of life. Shoulder pain leads to limitations in daily activities and can trigger kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, further exacerbating physical and psychological impairments. In addition to physical limitations, individuals with rotator cuff syndrome often experience psychological challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Psychological resilience-a factor influencing general well-being-plays a critical role in coping with chronic pain. High psychological resilience is associated with reduced pain severity, better shoulder functionality, and lower levels of kinesiophobia. Kinesiophobia, in turn, can lead to movement avoidance, muscle disuse, and further deterioration in function. Basic body awareness (BBA), defined through both experiential and movement dimensions, involves understanding how the body functions and interacts with the environment. It is shaped by multiple sensory systems including proprioception, interoception, and exteroception. Body awareness is linked to pain perception, functional movement, and health-related quality of life. Although BBA has been studied in stroke, mental health, and chronic pain, its role in shoulder rehabilitation has not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between basic body awareness, shoulder functionality, and psychological factors in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.