Abstract: An appliance for protection against impact and strain injury and comprising an inner flexible web or sleeve (10, 15) adapted to be worn about a part of the body such as the lower leg and to conform closely to the shape thereof, and a series of interconnected outer rigid plates (18) attached to the inner web or sleeve (10, 15) such as to provide impact absorption and distribution whilst permitting relative movement between the plates and maintaining its position in use without restraining the wearer's bodily movement. The device is particularly intended to prevent injuries to sports people.