Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate the effects of card and boardgames on cognitive functions of older adults. Methods: Randomized Controlled Trials on effects of card and boardgames on cognition of older adults were retrieved from the databases from their establishment to 31 December 2021. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis. Results: A total of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials were included. Compared with older patients in the control group, older adults in the experimental group had better global cognitive functions [MD=0.75, 95%CI (0.35, 1.15), P=0.0002] and digit span backward [MD=1.00, 95%CI (0.52, 1.49), P<0.0001]. Conclusion: Card and board games are effective in improving global cognitive functions and digit span backward in the older adults, but they cannotimprove overall digit span, digit span forward, logical memory and attention.

Key words: board and card games; older adults; cognition; Meta-analysis