Abstract: Physical modification of starch refers to change the structure and properties of starch by physical effects,in order to obtain some specific properties to meet the requirements of processing and production. Physical modification has been favored by more and more researchers because of its simple,fast and environmental characteristics. In this paper,the effects of several physical modification methods including ultra-high pressure,ball milling,extrusion,hydrothermal,radiation and ultrasonic treatment on the structure and properties of starch,such as crystalline structure,micromorphology,gelatinization properties,molecular chain structure,retrogradation properties and paste properties of starch,are reviewed. The application prospect of physically modified starch is also prospected,which provides some theoretical basis for the starch industry.