Exercise-Based Mechanotherapy: From Biomechanical Principles and Mechanotransduction to Precision Regenerative
1Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Mechanical loading from exercise drives musculoskeletal health. Precision mechanotherapy uses these principles for targeted tissue repair and regeneration, improving long-term musculoskeletal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Mechanical loading is crucial for musculoskeletal development, adaptation, and regeneration.
- Exercise-based mechanotherapy has advanced from empirical methods to precision-driven strategies.
- Understanding biomechanical principles and molecular mechanotransduction pathways is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of mechanical loading in musculoskeletal health.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction.
- To highlight advances in precision mechanotherapy for tissue repair and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of macroscopic biomechanical principles (load distribution, stress-strain relationships).
- Analysis of molecular mechanotransduction pathways (integrin-FAK-RhoA/ROCK, Piezo channels, YAP/TAZ).
- Examination of engineering innovations in mechanotherapy (biomaterials, scaffolds, AI systems).
Main Results:
- Mechanical loading influences ECM remodeling, cellular metabolism, and regeneration in bone, cartilage, muscle, and tendon.
- Mechanotransduction pathways translate mechanical cues into biochemical signals.
- Engineering innovations enable quantified, programmable, and standardized mechanical loading.
Conclusions:
- Exercise-informed precision mechanotherapy is a key strategy for regenerative rehabilitation.
- This approach promotes musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration.
- It offers a path toward enhanced long-term musculoskeletal health.
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