Sustained executive function gains from listening- and singing-embedded music-game (LSM) activities: a randomized controlled trial with 2-month follow-up

This randomized controlled trial assessed a 10-week Listening- and Singing-embedded Music-game (LSM) activities protocol aimed at enhancing executive functions (EF) – inhibitory control (IC), working memory (WM), and cognitive flexibility (CF) – in 52 preschoolers (4–5 years) from a rural kindergarten in China. Children were randomly assigned to the music-game training (MGT) group or a control group. EF was assessed at pre-test (T1), post-test (T2), and a 2-month follow-up (T3). Significant interactions between group and time were found, with the MGT group showing improvements in EF from T1 to T2, and sustained benefits at T3, especially in visuospatial working memory and inhibitory control. The study demonstrates that low-material, schedule-compatible routines can yield sustained EF benefits. Findings support the integration of such routines into early education programmes, with recommendations for future replications using cluster randomization, blinded assessments, and extended follow-ups.