Abstract: Objective To study the effect of muscle energy techniques with visual feedback on the function of postoperative elbow joint. Methods From October, 2015 to August, 2017, 40 patients after operation for elbow fracture were randomly divided into control group (n=20) and treatment group (n=20). Both groups accepted arthrolysis and exercise guidance at home, while the control group accepted routine muscle energy techniques and the treatment group accepted muscle energy techniques with visual feedback, for eight weeks. They were measured with active range of motion (AROM) of elbow flexion and assessed with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) before and after treatment. Results AROM increased in both groups after treatment (t>15.223, P<0.001), and increased more in the treatment group than in the control group (t=3.072, P<0.01); while the DASH score decreased in both groups (t>27.991, P<0.001), and decreased more in the treatment group than in the control group (t=2.222, P<0.05).Conclusion The muscle energy techniques with visual feedback can improve the motion and function of elbow after operation more effectively.

Key words: elbow, fracture, muscle energy techniques, visual feedback