Mechanical Forces in Health and Disease: A Mechanobiological Perspective

Mechanobiology examines how mechanical forces shape biological processes, influencing everything from cellular behavior to the interconnecting fascial system and the function of larger organ systems. Despite its growing relevance in biology and biomedical sciences, the field remains somewhat underexplored. Mechanical forces such as compression, traction, and shear stress are crucial for cellular mechanics, affecting cellular physiology and linking closely with both athletic performance and various diseases. However, gaps remain in our understanding of mechanotransduction mechanisms, which are vital for both healthy physiological adaptations and pathological conditions.

This Research Topic aims to provide an up-to-date perspective on mechanobiology with a particular focus on its applications in health and the management of human diseases. It seeks to explore how mechanical loads influence the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, and how these insights can be harnessed to improve health outcomes. Specifically, the goal is to explore adaptive and maladaptive responses to mechanical stimuli in different biological systems, enhancing our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment possibilities.

To gather further insights into this dynamic and impactful field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanotransduction mechanisms in cellular physiology;
- The impact of mechanical forces on musculoskeletal health;
- Neural adaptations and mechanobiology in neurobiological functions;
- Cardiovascular responses to mechanical stresses and their role in disease;
- Influence of mechanical environments on cancer progression and metastasis;
- Applications of mechanobiology in rehabilitation and injury prevention;
- Exercise physiology and mechanobiological effects on athletic performance.