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Abstract Background To evaluate the association between preoperative exercise and recovery after cardiac surgery. Methods Literature comparing preoperative exercise and the control group for patients receiving cardiac surgery was retrieved in multiple databases. Review Manager 5.2 was adopted for meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis. Results Finally, 6 relevant studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was significant difference in length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (MD- = 1.35, 95%CI [− 2.64, − 0.06], P = 0.04; P for heterogeneity < 0.0001, I 2  = 88%) and physical function after operation (P of heterogeneity = 0.32, I 2  = 12%, Z = 9.92, P of over effect< 0.00001). The meta-analysis suggested that there was no significant difference in white blood cell count (WBC) at postoperative day 7 and mental health after operation between the exercise group and the control group. Limited publication bias was observed in this study. Conclusion Preoperative exercise including inhaled muscle training, aerobics, resistance training and stretching could promote recovery after cardiac surgery.