Evidence check: hsCRP in the context of Sport

hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a well-established biomarker of systemic inflammation, increasingly discussed in sports medicine. Acute exercise can transiently elevate hsCRP (e.g., after intense endurance sessions), while regular training typically lowers resting levels. However, chronically elevated hsCRP (>3 mg/L) may indicate overtraining, inadequate recovery, or underlying inflammation. The evidence for routine hsCRP monitoring to guide training is weak – no clear cut-offs or intervention protocols exist for athletes. Moreover, hsCRP is non-specific: infections, injuries, or lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity) also affect levels. Therefore, hsCRP should not be interpreted in isolation but in context with training load, recovery, and other biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, cortisol). For recreational athletes, the practical benefit is limited; persistent elevation warrants medical evaluation. Evidence: human-moderate (observational studies, but no RCTs in athletes).