An empirical study on smart city construction to enhance residents' participation in physical activity

Smart city construction, as a new model of urban development, has become a crucial means to encourage residents' participation in physical exercise. However, there is still a lack of systematic exploration regarding the mechanisms by which smart city construction specifically affects residents' engagement in physical activity. This paper analyzes the impact of smart city construction on residents' participation in physical activity using a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, based on data from the 2010 to 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Data processing involved removing missing values, addressing outliers, and introducing control variables at the individual, household, and city levels. The study found that smart city construction significantly promotes residents' participation in physical activity. Smart city policies have a notable positive effect on this participation, and there are significant differences in the responses of various resident groups to physical activity engagement. The results of the mediation analysis indicate that the built environment, information access channels, and enjoyment of consumption play significant mediating roles between smart city policies and residents' participation in physical activity. Smart city construction influences residents' participation in physical activity both directly or indirectly by enhancing urban infrastructure, expanding access to information, and fostering enjoyable consumption experiences. In the future, smart city initiatives should prioritize the equitable distribution of resources, strengthen infrastructure development in rural and western regions, and further enhance the national fitness level.