Since its introduction in the 1980s,the Load/Unload Response Ratio(LURR)theory has undergone stages of exploratory application,experimental validation,and further theoretical development. the theory has been widely applied in fields such as earthquake prediction research,landslide studies,and the safety assessment of large-scale engineering structures. In the form of a review,this paper presents the theoretical framework of LURR,summarizes its development history and the latest progress in its application to earthquake prediction research,and discusses the major problems in its application to earthquake prediction,along with corresponding solutions and future directions. Existing evidence suggests that LURR is a relatively effective approach for earthquake prediction. A significant increase in LURR prior to an earthquake indicates that the regional medium has entered a high-stress state,while the appearance of peak anomalies signals the transition of the seismogenic system from plastic deformation to the post-peak softening stage. By exploiting this distinctive property of LURR,regional seismic risk can be assessed,and the occurrence of complex seismic sequences or strong aftershocks may be anticipated. In combination with the degree of coordinated evolution from local LURR anomalies to the behavior of the overall system,it may also be possible to infer the timing and location of future strong earthquakes.