Considerable decreases in the support provided by prophylactic ankle taping develop in as little as 10 minutes of activity allowing for significant increases in range of motion. It is commonly believed that this increased range of motion (ROM) is due to stretching of the tape causing increased laxity in the tape. However, constant motion and added compression of the prophylactic method used to reduce injury could increase the local extracellular pressure in the ankle and foot causing increased lymphatic and venous return, which would decrease lower leg volume. If this volume decreases, the structural base for prophylactic device is compromised. Therefore, the increase in ankle range of motion and perceived laxity of the tape may be an effect of soft tissue compression instead of tape expansion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of taping and exercise on lower leg volume. The compressive element of taping was hypothesized to cause a decrease in volume of the taped region. Fifteen-college aged, physically active, healthy subjects (4 female, 11 male) provided informed consent and volunteered for this experiment. Lower extremity (ankle and foot) volume was measured before and after activity in a taped and an un-taped condition. A fifteen-minute bout of exercise on a slide board was chosen as the activity due to its ability to repeatedly stress the ankle joint similar to what would be experienced in a cutting maneuver where ankle support would be important. No measurable difference in lower leg, ankle, and foot volume was observed pre- and post-exercise for the taped and un-taped conditions. Additional work should be conducted to assess the variables that influence the method of volume measurements such as body position, foot placement, or rate of volume restoration in a compressed region. It may also be useful to explore how the material characteristics of athletic tape change over time.