Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown great promise in tissue repair. While these cells induce little immune response, they show marked self-renewal properties and can differentiate into many cell types. Recent evidence shows that mechanical factors can regulate the biological behaviors of BMSCs through various signaling pathways. In this review, we will high-light the effects of strain, shear stress, compressive stress and gravity on the proliferation, cytoskeleton and differentiation of BMSCs.