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The strategies of the sit-to-stand movement are investigated by describing the movement in terms of the topology of an associated phase diagram. Kinematic constraints are applied to describe movement sequences, thus reducing the dimension of the phase space. This dimensional reduction allows us to apply theorems of topological dynamics for two-dimensional systems to arrive at a classification of six possible movement strategies, distinguished by the topology of their corresponding phase portrait. Since movement is treated in terms of topological structure rather than specific trajectories, individual variations are automatically included, and the approach is by nature model independent. Pathological movement is investigated, and this method clarifies how subtle abnormalities in movement lead to difficulties in achieving a stable stance upon rising from a seated position.