Objective To investigate the role of Akt/PKB activation induced by mechanical strain on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration. Methods VSMCs of rat aorta were subjected tocyclic tensile strain (15%, 1Hz) by using a FX-4000T system, with VSMCs in static conditions as a control. VSMC migration and the phosphorylation of Akt/PKB were examined by Transwell assay and Western blot. Results Tensile strain (15%, 1Hz) obviously enhanced both VSMC migration and Akt/PKB activation compared with the control. While Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, can attenuate the phosphorylation of Akt/PKB stimulated by the strain so as to reduce VSMC migration. Conclusion Akt/PKB activation could be enhanced by tensile strain to promote VSMC migration, and Akt/PKB involved in such VSMC migration via PI3K-Akt/PKB signaling pathway.