Can executive functions be improved by playing board games across the lifespan? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Board games are usually played with other people across the lifespan. They seem to improve executive functions, which are psychological processes key to our daily lives. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to show whether board games could improve executive functions at different ages. At first, 5288 studies were found in four databases (Scopus, WOS, PsycINFO, and Medline). Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 16 studies were included in the meta-analytical analysis. In the systematic review, we especially found effects in verbal short-term memory in children. In addition, the meta-analysis showed significant results for visuospatial short-term memory in kindergarten and processing speed in older people. We also assessed heterogeneity and conducted a meta-regression analysis considering the risk of bias. High heterogeneity was observed in some meta-analyses. Overall, the results suggest that the current empirical evidence is not yet sufficient to support a strong recommendation for the use of board games to improve executive functions. However, the findings are promising and highlight the potential of board games as a cognitive intervention. Therefore, future well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the effectiveness of such interventions.