A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
The Training of Rhythm Skills and Executive Function : A Systematic Review (2025)


Ahokas, J. R., Saarikallio, S., Welch, G., Goswami, U., & Parviainen, T. (2025). The Training of Rhythm Skills and Executive Function : A Systematic Review. Music and Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043241305922


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsAhokas, J. Riikka; Saarikallio, Suvi; Welch, Graham; Goswami, Usha; Parviainen, Tiina

Journal or seriesMusic and Science

ISSN2059-2043

eISSN2059-2043

Publication year2025

Publication date07/01/2025

Volume8

PublisherSAGE Publications

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1177/20592043241305922

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99472

Publication is parallel publishedhttps://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/378278


Abstract

Objective
The focus of this study is on rhythm-elicited movement and its impacts on executive function. The main aim of this review was to identify previous, controlled intervention research on this topic, and to study the effectiveness of the included research interventions. We hypothesized we would find research supporting the alleged positive impact of rhythm training on cognition.

Methods
Systematic literature searches were performed in Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and APA PsycArticles and PsycInfo databases from 2000 to May 2022. The selected studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the modified Downs and Black checklist.

Results
The eligibility criteria of this review identified populations from preschool to old age and included research interventions that could be defined as “training music rhythm skills”. Only studies with active control training using executive function (EF) measures, published between 2000 and 2022, peer reviewed, and written in English were included. From the initial result of a total of 15,677 identified records, 10 research reports met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final synthesis of this systematic review. The mean methodological quality score of these records was 24.7 out of 28 on the Downs and Black checklist. Five of the included studies provided statistically significant results in regard to our hypothesis.

Conclusion
During our targeted review period of 2025–2022, there is a fundamental paucity of studies aiming at testing the benefits of rhythm training on EF.


Keywordsrhythmrhythmicssense of rhythmtrainingexecutive functions (psychology)

Free keywordsexecutive function; rhythm; rhythm skills training


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2025

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2025-25-01 at 20:06