In order to investigate the effects of jumping loads on structural vibrations. Firstly, an improved semi-sine model was proposed, and characteristic parameters for the crowd jumping load model were suggested. Next, an analytical solution for the dynamic response of a simply supported beam under a single person's jumping load was derived. Finally, using a pedestrian footbridge in Jingzhou City as an example, the experimental and numerical results of the structural acceleration response under jumping loads were compared to validate the applicability of the improved semi-sine model. The results show the improved semi-sine model exhibits a maximum error of 2.8% when compared to experimental measurements. In contrast, the semi-sine and semi-sine squared models exhibit corresponding maximum errors of 23.4% and 7.1%, respectively. At a jumping frequency of 2.3 Hz, the jumping load frequency closely approximates the first-order natural frequency of the structure, resulting in resonance within the structure. In the mid to high-frequency range, the response results of the improved semi-sine model closely align with experimental measurements. These results hold valuable insights for accurately simulating jumping loads.