A prospective, randomized, single-blind study addressed the hypothesis that simple mechanical barriers are helpful in controlling urinary incontinence during exercise. Eighteen incontinent exercisers aged 33-73 participated in three 40-minute standardized aerobics sessions wearing either a Hodge pessary with support, a super tampon or no mechanical device. Urine loss was determined by a change in the weight of the pad worn while exercising. Statistical analysis of the log of urine loss revealed that women lost significantly less urine when exercising with either the pessary or the tampon than when exercising with no device. Thus, both devices studied are useful, nonsurgical alternatives for some women for the treatment of exercise incontinence.