In 1892, J.L. Wolff proposed that bone could respond to mechanical and
biophysical stimuli as a dynamic organ. This theory presents a unique
opportunity for investigations on bone and its potential to aid in tissue
repair. Routine activities such as exercise or machinery application can exert
mechanical loads on bone. Previous research has demonstrated that mechanical
loading can affect the differentiation and development of mesenchymal tissue.
However, the extent to which mechanical stimulation can help repair or generate
bone tissue and the related mechanisms remain unclear. Four key cell types in
bone tissue, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, bone lining cells, and
osteocytes, play critical roles in responding to mechanical stimuli, while other
cell lineages such as myocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and
chondrocytes also exhibit mechanosensitivity. Mechanical loading can regulate
the biological functions of bone tissue through the mechanosensor of bone cells
intraosseously, making it a potential target for fracture healing and bone
regeneration. This review aims to clarify these issues and explain bone
remodeling, structure dynamics, and mechano-transduction processes in response
to mechanical loading. Loading of different magnitudes, frequencies, and types,
such as dynamic versus static loads, are analyzed to determine the effects of
mechanical stimulation on bone tissue structure and cellular function. Finally,
the importance of vascularization in nutrient supply for bone healing and
regeneration was further discussed.