Table 3 presents the comparisons between the untaped and taped condition. Analyses with
repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant main effect of the tape on ankle flexibility, dolphin
kick performance and kinematic variables (P < .001 for all 3 categories). No interaction of gender could
be established for flexibility, performance and kinematic variables (P = .488, P = .336 and P = .837,
respectively). Post-hoc tests showed that ankle flexibility was significantly reduced, which was
reflected by a decreased active and passive plantar flexion and internal rotation. Performance also
significantly decreased after taping, which was shown by a decreased swimmers’ velocity, decreased
kicking frequency and decreased distance covered per cycle. Velocity decreased on average 19.0% (SD
7.6), frequency 5.7% (SD 6.6) and distance covered per cycle 13.4% (SD 8.7).