What role does hsCRP play in Sport?

hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is an inflammatory marker used in sports to assess overtraining, recovery, and cardiovascular risk. Acutely, hsCRP rises briefly after intense exercise due to muscle damage and immune activation, which is physiological. Persistently elevated levels (>3 mg/L) may indicate inadequate recovery, overtraining, or subclinical inflammation. In endurance athletes, hsCRP is also discussed as a risk marker for cardiovascular events, though its direct utility for training guidance is not supported by large RCTs. The measurement is sensitive but not specific—many factors (infection, diet, stress) influence the value. A single test is not diagnostic. For practice, serial monitoring during rest periods is recommended. Evidence is based on observational studies and physiological models, not randomized intervention trials. Caveat: No standardized recommendation for athletes; individual interpretation required.