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 editors: Ahokas, J. Riikka; Saarikallio, Suvi; Welch, Graham; Goswami, Usha; Parviainen, Tiina
Journal or series: Music and Science
ISSN: 2059-2043
eISSN: 2059-2043
Publication year: 2025
Publication date: 07/01/2025
Volume: 8
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043241305922
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99472
Publication is parallel published: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/378278
Abstract
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.
Keywords: rhythm; rhythmics; sense of rhythm; training; executive functions (psychology)
Free keywords: executive function; rhythm; rhythm skills training
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain
- Toiviainen, Petri
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2025
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
- Music Education (Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies MUTKU) MKA
- School of Wellbeing (University of Jyväskylä JYU) JYU.Well
- Social Sustainability for Children and Families (University of Jyväskylä JYU) SOSUS
- Psychology (Department of Psychology PSY) PSY
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research (Department of Psychology PSY) CIBR