Is hsCRP useful for Sport?

hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a well-established marker of systemic low-grade inflammation. In a sports context, it can be useful for monitoring recovery after intense training sessions and detecting early signs of overtraining, as excessive exercise transiently elevates inflammation. However, hsCRP is not sport-specific: it is influenced by infections, diet, stress, and sleep. The evidence for routine use in athletes is moderate – there are no strong randomized trials showing a clear performance benefit. An elevated hsCRP should always be interpreted in a clinical context and is not a direct indicator for training adjustments. For recreational athletes, the utility is limited; for elite athletes, regular measurement combined with other parameters (e.g., heart rate variability, perceived exertion) may be reasonable. Caution: persistently high hsCRP may indicate chronic inflammation or infection and requires medical evaluation. Overall, hsCRP is a complementary tool, not a substitute for comprehensive training management.