Preprint · Nov 27, 2023
Musical Instrument Training as Intervention for Healthy Cognitive Ageing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
By Rogers F, Metzler‐Baddeley C
Intervention studies combining cognitive and motor demands have reported far-transfer cognitive benefits in healthy ageing. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effects of music and rhythm intervention on cognition in older adulthood. Inclusion criteria specified: 1) musical instrument training; 2) healthy, musically-naïve adults (≥ 60 years); 3) control group; 4) measured executive function. Ovid, PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library online databases were searched in August 2023. Data from thirteen studies were analysed (N = 487). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2; Sterne et al., 2019). Random effects models revealed a moderate effect on processing speed (d = .47, p < .0001), and low effects on switching (d = -.27, p =.60) and inhibition (d = 0.27, p < .05). A low to moderate effect was found for the verbal category switching (d = .39, p < .05). No effect was found for selective visual attention or working memory. With regards to overall bias, three studies were rated as “high”, nine studies were rated as having “some concerns” and one was rated “low”. The meta-analysis suggests that learning to play a musical instrument has a positive impact on cognition in ageing.