Effects of racket sports on executive function in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study systematically reviewed the effects of racket sports on executive function in children and quantitatively synthesised the available evidence through meta-analysis. Six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, Cochrane, and Scopus) were searched for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies involving children aged 6–12 years. Eligible studies included racket sport interventions, a clearly defined control group, and at least one measure of executive function. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook 5.1. Meta-analyses were conducted in Review Manager 5.4 using a random-effects model and the Generic Inverse Variance method. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed where substantial heterogeneity was observed. Eleven studies involving 517 participants were included. Racket sports produced a moderate and significant positive effect on overall executive function (Hedges’ g = 0.55). Positive effects were observed for inhibitory control (g = 0.50), working memory (g = 1.35), and cognitive flexibility (g = 0.46), with no significant differences between subgroups. Interventions lasting >10 weeks showed a significant effect (g = 0.61), whereas those lasting ≤10 weeks did not (g = 0.39). Tennis demonstrated significant and consistent benefits, while table tennis showed non-significant effects with substantial heterogeneity; evidence for badminton was insufficient. Racket sports may be an effective strategy for enhancing children’s executive function, particularly when interventions are sufficiently long and incorporate appropriate cognitive demands. Further high-quality trials with standardised measures and long-term follow-up are warranted.