DATASET FOR STUDY: Shoulder Rotator Strength and Range of Motion in Female Volleyball and Handball Players: A Comparative Study

This study aimed to compare isometric strength, range of motion (RoM), and strength ratios of shoulder internal and external rotators between female volleyball and hand-ball players. Twenty-five volleyball and twenty-four handball players competing in the Slovenian 1st national league participated. Maximal isometric strength and passive RoM of internal and external rotation were measured bilaterally using a handheld dy-namometer and goniometer, respectively. A significant group × side interaction was observed for internal rotation RoM (F = 5.41; p = 0.024; η² = 0.10), with volleyball play-ers showing lower RoM on the dominant side (p = 0.001; d = 0.89), but this was not the case for handball players (p = 0.304). External rotation strength also showed a signifi-cant interaction (F = 9.34; p = 0.004; η² = 0.17); volleyball players were stronger in the non-dominant arm (p = 0.033), while handball players were stronger in the dominant arm (p = 0.041). The external-to-internal rotation strength ratio was significantly lower on the dominant side in volleyball players compared to handball players (p = 0.047; d = 0.59). Findings suggest sport-specific adaptations and asymmetries in shoulder func-tion, emphasizing the need for sport-specific and individually-tailored injury preven-tion strategies. Volleyball players in particular may benefit from targeted strengthen-ing of external rotators and flexibility training to address imbalances.