Objective Through this meta analysis of controlled clinical trials of the effect of aerobic exercise on the maximal oxygen uptake(VO_2max)in sedentary healthy adults,we attempt to provide evidence for exercise prescription.Methods MEDLINE search for controlled trials that involved in the effect of aerobic exercise on the VO_2max from 1976 to 2008 was conducted.The literatures were selected according to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.Review Manager 5.0 software provided a systematic evaluation for calculating VO_2 max Weighted Mean Difference with random effects model.Assessment of the sub-group of aerobic exercise intensity and literature publication bias were conducted.Results(1)Thirty five literatures were included in this review;involving 889 adults met the inclusion criteria.VO_2max Weighted Mean Difference is 3.61ml/kg/min,95%confidence interval 2.96～4.25ml/kg/min,with an increase of 13.2%,comparing with the average VO_2max values(27.26 ml/kg/min)before aerobic exercise.(2)The most effective exercise intensity was 70～80%VO_2max,71～80%HRmax and 61～70% HRR according to the sub.group of aerobic exercise intensity meta analysis.Conclusion VO_2max increased significantly due to participating in aerobic exercise in sedentary healthy adults.The results will provide a theoretical basis for me development of aerobic exercise prescription with appropriate intensity.