Effects of music training on executive functions in preschool children aged 3–6 years: systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Executive functions is a crucial ability in the early development of preschool children. While numerous studies have found that music training has a favorable effect on children’s executive functions, there is a lack of a consistent perspective on this topic, particularly with regard to the dose–response relationship. Methods Systematic searches were conducted of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results In all, 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which children’s music training groups showed significantly improved inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.6), working memory (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.04–0.42) in comparison with control groups. Subgroup analyses indicated significant improvements relative to the control groups for inhibitory control following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22–0.8), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.2–0.75), and lasting 20–30 min per session (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.2–0.63). Significant improvements were seen for working memory following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18–0.65), occurring 40 min per session (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.22–1.26). Conclusion Music training has a positive effect on inhibitory control,…
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