Simple mathematical models are insufficient in explaining vertical jumping

We think of agility as the ability to move at fast speeds while executing motor control strategies that redirect body motion and reposition limbs. Jumping to high heights and to long distances correlates with other aspects of agility, such as maximum sprint speeds. To gain intuition on how the legs might behave as an actuator limited by mechanical characteristics, we test models of varying physiological complexity and compare model predicted ground reaction forces to measured data. We seek one model that predicts jumping behavior independent of jump depth. Through our approach we learn of the insufficiencies of simple models.