This paper proposes a digital image correlation (DIC) based method to measure the fracture resistance curve and quantify the reversed loading effects in middle tension, M(T) specimens. The proposed method employs free-surface DIC measurement to derive J and utilizes the deformation profile to determine the crack size with enhanced accuracy than the conventional compliance-based approach. This study observes the re-sharpening of the crack-tip field during the reversed cycle through DIC, which facilitates the crack propagation and decreases the fracture resistance. The comparison between monotonic and reverse-loaded M(T) specimens demonstrates the decrease of the fracture resistance under reversed loadings.