Urban sprawl and leisure time physical activity

Although accumulating evidence has suggested that urban sprawl is associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), the spatially heterogeneous urban sprawl effects on the LTPA type remain unexplored at the community level. Based on a social-ecological framework, this study empirically examines (a) how urban sprawl is associated with LTPA type and (b) the spatially heterogeneous associations between urban sprawl and LTPA types across 37 Florida counties. To achieve this purpose, geographic information system-based mapping and spatial regression analysis using geographically weighted regression were employed. The results indicated that urban sprawl could be positively or negatively associated with different LTPA types. Furthermore, the associations were spatially heterogeneous. Such findings allow community sport agencies to develop effective community-based sport development planning and policy.The association between spatially heterogeneous urban sprawl and leisure-time physical activity types was explored.Geographic information system-based mapping and spatial regression analyses using geographically weighted regression were employed.The association between urban sprawl and leisure-time physical activity varied across activity types.The association between urban sprawl and leisure-time physical activity types was spatially heterogeneous.The study contributes to the implementation of localized sport participation policies.