Meta-Analysis of FMT in Parkinson's Disease: No Significant Effect on Motor or Cognitive Outcomes
A meta-analysis of five RCTs found no statistically significant difference between fecal microbiota transplantation and control groups in motor (MDS-UPDRS) or cognitive (MoCA, MMSE) scores in Parkinson's disease patients.
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What the study showed
No significant between-group differences were detected for MDS-UPDRS Parts I–III, MoCA, or MMSE at any follow-up timepoint. Heterogeneity across outcomes was low to moderate. Evidence certainty was graded using GRADE.
How it was done
PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis restricted to RCTs comparing FMT with placebo or conventional care in PD; two independent reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using a random-effects model.
Risk of bias
Only five RCTs encompassing 226 participants were included, limiting statistical power and generalizability. The abstract does not specify follow-up durations, FMT protocols, or disease-stage stratification.
What this study does NOT prove
The lack of significant effect does not prove absolute FMT inefficacy in PD; it may reflect insufficient sample size, protocol heterogeneity, or inadequate follow-up duration.
In clinical practice
Current evidence does not support routine clinical use of FMT for motor or cognitive endpoints in PD. The intervention remains experimental.
Limitations
Only five RCTs encompassing 226 participants were included, limiting statistical power and generalizability. The abstract does not specify follow-up durations, FMT protocols, or disease-stage stratification.
Technical appendix
Version history
- 1.0 · 2026-07-08 — Auto-generated under Evidence Standard v1.0
Paid access: structured summary from public metadata; consult the original study at the source.