Objective To evaluate the effects of cardioselective beta-blockers on respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) . Methods We used computer to search the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register database, Medline, Netherlands EMBASE/Excerpta Medica,EBSCO database, China Academic Journal and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, as well as respiratory magazines and conference abstracts, without language restrictions. The information was retrieved until December 2011. We collected all the randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trails ( RCTs ) of cardioselective beta-blockers on respiratory function in patients with COPD. Then two evaluators evaluated the quality of RCTs according to the Cochrane Review Manual 4. 2 independently. Meta-analysis was performed using statistical software Stata 11. 0. X2 test was used to analyze their heterogeneity. Standardizedmean difference ( SMD) was used to describe continuous variables. Relative risk degree ( RR) was used to describe categorical variables, and 95% CI was used to describe treatment effect. Results 22 trails met the selection criteria. Meta-analysis showed no change of FEV1 in COPD patients after taking single dose of cardioselective beta-blockers [ SMD - 0. 367, 95% CI( - 0. 786, 0. 052) ] and no respiratory symptoms aggravation [ RR1. 000, 95% CI( 0. 848, 1. 179) ] . Meta-analysis also showed no change of FEV1 in COPD patients who received long-term cardioselective beta-blockers treatment [ SMD - 0. 236, 95% CI( - 0. 523,0.051) ] , and no respiratory symptoms aggravation [ RR 1. 000, 95% CI ( 0. 830, 1. 205) ] . Inhaled beta-2 agonists showed no effect on FEV1 in COPD patients after either long-term administration [ SMD - 0. 200,95% CI( - 0. 586, 0. 187) ] or single dose administration of cardioselective beta-blockers [ SMD - 0. 078,95% CI( - 0. 654, 0. 497) ] . Conclusion Cardioselective beta-blockers, given to patients with COPD in conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension in the identified studies did not produce adverse respiratory effects.