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Rationale: Increasing physical activity (PA) is a desired outcome in patients with COPD. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 3 month tele-coaching program on the PA level of patients with COPD in a multicenter European trial (NCT02158065). Methods: In this RCT 344 patients (64% male, FEV 1 %pred 56(21), age 66(8)y, 6MWD 443(106)m, BMI 26(5) kg.m- 2 , 4890(2778)steps.day -1 , 488(200)VMU.min -1 ) from 6 centers were allocated to a usual care group (UCG) or an intervention group (IG) receiving a tele-coaching program, including a step counter providing direct feedback, an exercise booklet, a dedicated smartphone application (Linkcare), text messages and occasional telephone contacts with investigators. A daily goal (number of steps) was sent and revised every week. PA was measured using accelerometry during 1 week preceding randomization and during week 12. Mean daily step count and vector magnitude units (VMU) were chosen as outcome. Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline, for all variables except VMU [UCG vs IG respectively 512(207) vs 465(190)VMU.min -1 ]. 40% of patients in the intervention group vs 12% of control patients (p -1 (p -1 and 55(148) vs -39(122)VMU.min -1 . Conclusion: Physical activity can be significantly increased in patients with COPD using a step counter and a smartphone based, semi-automated tele-coaching program.