Abstract:

BACKGROUND: It is a hot focus on research for mechanism of stem cells modulated by chemical factors at present. But, many researches have shown that physical factors stimulation might also interfere in stem cell modulation to make target cell differentiation and generate function.  
OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of some physical factors on stem cell oriented differentiation. 
METHODS: We reviewed about 102 research papers on common physical therapy factors on stem cell multiplication and differentiation in ten years. It was found that many researches much more concentrated on pulsed electromagnetic fields, transcranial magnetic stimulation, low frequency impulse electrotherapy, ultrasonic therapy, high pressure oxygen and various mechanical stress, which presumed that these physical factors might facilitate stem cell multiplication and differentiation, while few research on treadmill training and direct current stimulation showed that there might be no exact concern or report because of restriction on research thought or means.
RESULTS OR CONCLUSION: The mechanism of physical factors interfering stem cells is complex. Physical factors might participate in cell growth microenvironment composed by biochemical environments including cell factors and growth factors and might have a supplementary or coordinated role in providing biochemical information such as cell factors.