Executive functions: conceptual foundations for designing musical training in therapeutic and educational contexts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70478/Keywords:
Executive functions, Music training, Neurorehabilitation, Cognitive processes, Neurologic music therapyAbstract
Executive functions (EF) develop in the prefrontal cortex and play a crucial role in musical practice, listening, and cognitive rehabilitation following brain injury or illness. These functions encompass a wide range of cognitive processes essential for the design of effective musical training programs. However, since 1996, more than 40 definitions and multiple associated categories such as skills, processes, capacities, and actions have been identified, making their understanding, study, and application difficult. Goldstein & Naglieri proposed eleven executive skills that are incorporated into the Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT) of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). The objective of this article is to provide an updated overview of the EF concept, highlighting the relevance of music-based training for stimulating functions affected by illness, brain injury, or simply to reinforce these abilities. A two-phase systematic review is proposed: the first phase focuses on the conceptual framework of EF, while the second explores the use of music as a training tool within NMT through three specific techniques. The integration of music-based strategies advances both the understanding and practical application of executive functions in therapeutic and educational contexts.
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