Exploring the Dynamic Concept of Mechanobiology in Regenerative Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Physical therapists, equipped with unique diagnostic and treatment capabilities, play a pivotal role in advancing regenerative medicine. The present review explores the integration of mechanotherapy and mechanical techniques in physiotherapy, shedding light on the burgeoning field of mechanobiology and its implications for rehabilitative therapies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Initially, a total of 217 articles, including research papers, reviews, and systematic reviews, were identified. After thorough evaluation, 26 articles were deemed relevant to the present study. The authors analysed these selected articles to explore the utilisation of mechanotherapy, mechanotransduction, and the integration of mechanobiological principles into physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapists employ mechanotherapy and mechanical techniques, such as manual mobilisation and exercise interventions, to treat diseases and injuries and restore function. Mechanobiology studies the essential functions that these physical variables perform through mechanotransduction, while Mechanotherapies emphasise natural mechano-adaptation to promote healing. They are active mechano-interventions that transform possible damaging mechanical effects into therapeutic benefits. Therefore, interventions should be planned accordingly. The growing field of mechanobiology and regenerative medicine is opening new avenues for rehabilitative therapies. Applying mechanobiology principles to various body systems linked to physical therapy interventions provides scope for future research.

Keywords

• cardiorespiratory diseases
• mechanotherapy
• musculoskeletal diseases
• physical therapists
• regeneration