The Effect of Physical Activity Promotion on Short and Long-term Outcomes in COPD

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female subjects, greater than or equal to 40 years of age * Clinical diagnosis of COPD defined as either a ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity \< 0.70 or chest CT evidence of emphysema. CT obtained as part of routine clinical care, independent of research study. * Medical clearance from healthcare provider to participate in an exercise program * Have an active email account and can check email at least weekly * Have access to a computer with Internet connection or willing to come to VABoston or Birmingham VA Medical Center to use study computers * Pedometer with \>90% accuracy compared to manual counts on short clinic walk * Competent to provide informed consent * Willingness to make return visits and be available by telephone for duration of study Exclusion Criteria: * COPD exacerbation in the previous 1 month * Unable to ambulate with or without assistance * Clinical signs of unstable cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure * Hypoxemia during 6MWT, i.e. oxygen saturation \<85% using supplemental oxygen * Unable to complete questionnaires * Unable to collect at least 5 of 7 days of baseline step counts * Participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program at time of screening or within the previous 3 months * Participation in another exercise-related research study at time of screening * Plans to participate in an exercise-related research study in the next 6 months * Plans to enroll in a supervised exercise program, such as pu…