Executive Functions and Music Training: A Meta-Analysis Exekutive Funktionen und musikalisches Training: Eine Meta-Analyse

Abstract

Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive functions that enable goal-directed behavior. The most frequently studied EFs are working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate possible relationships between EFs and music training and to estimate the magnitude of such relationships. The meta-analysis included studies that examined at least one EF in connection with music training. Studies were identified in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After identifying 72 studies as relevant for the meta-analysis, these were classified into the three main facets of EFs, with some studies considering more than one facet. 45 studies compared the working memory of persons with and without music training, 22 studies provided such a group comparison for cognitive flexibility, and 23 studies reported a group comparison for inhibition. Sixteen studies evaluated correlative findings between the duration of music training and EFs. The meta-analyses revealed a significant advantage for the groups with music training across all three facets of the EFs (g = 0.59). When considered separately, a significant influence of music training emerged for studies investigating working memory (g = 0.69), cognitive flexibility (g = 0.51), and inhibition (g = 0.43). The effects for cognitive flexibility and inhibition were smaller in size than for working memory and less frequently assessed. The correlational studies revealed smaller, yet positive correlations with music training (g = 0.16). Overall, the meta-analysis confirms an advantage for musically trained individuals in performing tasks that measure EFs, without causal effects being able to be derived from the cross-sectional studies used.