This study is designed to explore a new approach to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) become more physically active. Through weekly telephone sessions with a health coach utilizing motivational interviewing, participants will be empowered to set goals for increased physical activity (emphasis on walking). The objective of the study is to determine if telephone-based health coaching is a reasonable and effective way to increase physical activity, as measured by a gold-standard activity monitor, in people with COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women age 40 years and older
• Current or former cigarette smoker of at least 10 pack-years
• Diagnosis of COPD stage II to IV COPD as documented by pulmonary function testing (FEV1 <80% predicted, FEV1/FVC ration <0.71) within the past 24 months
• Able to ambulate independently or with a walking aid (wheeled or standard walker or cane)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to walk without assistance of another person
• patients with a high likelihood of being lost to follow-up or contact (patients with active chemical dependency), are planning to move out of the state, are not able to be contacted by telephone
• patients with an inability to provide good data or follow commands (patients who are disoriented or have a severe neurologic/psychiatric condition)