Abstract: To protect a body sensitive to impact or pressure, e.g. the backbone of a two-wheeled vehicle rider or of an athlete, several, at least partially uniform, essentially compression-resistant elements (1; 1a-1d; 1'), expediently in the form of blocks or loops (1'), are arranged essentially directly adjoining one another and joined flexibly and with high tension strength to one another along their inner surfaces (10a) or edges facing the body. The connection is provided preferably with the aid of a strip-shaped layer (2) of cloth, metal or plastic foil to which the elements (1; 1a-1d; 1') are attached with high tension strength by cementing, tacking or in another manner.