  Immersive virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising research and clinical
tool. However, several studies suggest that VR induced adverse symptoms and
effects (VRISE) may undermine the health and safety standards, and the
reliability of the scientific results. In the current literature review, the
technical reasons for the adverse symptomatology are investigated to provide
suggestions and technological knowledge for the implementation of VR
head-mounted display (HMD) systems in cognitive neuroscience. The technological
systematic literature indicated features pertinent to display, sound, motion
tracking, navigation, ergonomic interactions, user experience, and computer
hardware that should be considered by the researchers. Subsequently, a
meta-analysis of 44 neuroscientific or neuropsychological studies involving VR
HMD systems was performed. The meta-analysis of the VR studies demonstrated
that new generation HMDs induced significantly less VRISE and marginally fewer
dropouts.Importantly, the commercial versions of the new generation HMDs with
ergonomic interactions had zero incidents of adverse symptomatology and
dropouts. HMDs equivalent to or greater than the commercial versions of
contemporary HMDs accompanied with ergonomic interactions are suitable for
implementation in cognitive neuroscience. In conclusion, researchers
technological competency, along with meticulous methods and reports pertinent
to software, hardware, and VRISE, are paramount to ensure the health and safety
standards and the reliability of neuroscientific results.
