Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy in thromboprophylaxis. Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning IPC therapy for thromboprophylaxis were searched from several national and international databases. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software after a literature screen for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Sixty-three RCTs were finally selected, with a total of 15 444 patients. Results of Meta-analysis showed that in IPC treatment group, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were significantly decreased compared with non-intervention group (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.26–0.45, P<0.00001; OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.31–0.65, P<0.0001); the incidence of DVT was significantly decreased compared with group of treatment with thigh-length thromboembolic deterrent stockings (TEDS) (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.35–0.88, P=0.00001). Compared with the group treated with anticoagulant therapy, IPC treatment had no superiority in thromboprophylaxis (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.69–1.59, P=0.82), but the risk of bleeding was significantly reduced (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.19–0.50, P<0.00001). Conclusion: IPC therapy has demonstrable efficacy in prevention of venous thrombosis in hospitalized patients and does not have the risk of bleeding caused by anticoagulant drugs.