In the isomerization reaction of the mechanophore spiropyran, torsional deformations around the central spiro atom led to a decrease in the activation barrier by 45% for rotations of 45. For crystalline TATB, MB-SMD strains designed to mimic the deformations found during shock loading also led to a significant decrease in activation energy and changes in the decomposition path. These results explain the increasing evidence of accelerated chemistry in highly deformed areas in shocked explosives and MB-SMD will likely be vital method for developing a predictive understanding of their initiation.