Most of the time, a previous application will not have any implications on your latest one. There are some exceptions - for instance, some firms do restrict people from reapplying in certain timeframes or in certain instances.
Based on the above, I suspect many would ask me "why do they ask the question then?". Well it is important for checking people aren't making multiple applications to the same vacancy in the same cycle or if they do have any policies about reapplying, this allows them to easily check the new applicant complies with the policy.
In some cases, when a decision of whether to invite someone through to the next stage of the process is marginal, the answer to the question may make the recruiters wonder what has changed since the last application. Therefore, they may look for what activities you have done since the last application to see if this could see any personal or professional development that would mean it is worthwhile making a different decision than to outcome of the previous application.